Most of us hop in our car each morning, turn the key, and go. Work. School. The grocery store. A doctor’s appointment. Life moves, and our vehicle quietly makes it possible. For many of us, that convenience is so normal we barely think about it. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if every trip required walking a mile to a bus stop? Waiting in the cold. Carrying only what you could physically manage. Planning your entire life around routes and schedules you don’t control. It doesn’t sound impossible—until you imagine it in real life. It’s January. Thirty-four degrees. A family of five needs groceries. You walk a mile to the bus stop, wait, shop carefully because you can only carry so much, ride back, and walk that mile home again—arms full, fingers numb. Your child gets hurt—maybe it’s a sprain, maybe it’s broken. The bus isn’t an option. You choose an ambulance instead of an Uber because you don’t have the money today. The hospital bill will come later, adding even more financial strain. You finally get a job offer after months of searching. It’s third shift. You need the job. But you’re a single mom, living in a tough neighborhood, and that one-mile walk to the bus stop at 1:00 a.m. is a dealbreaker. This is the reality for millions of people. In fact, one in five people remain in poverty simply because they don’t have access to a reliable vehicle. A Second Chance, in the Name of Jesus To help address this need, MAP Automotive launched Second Gear —a faith-based car ministry powered by MAP Automotive and the MAP Foundation. Second Gear exists for one simple reason: Reliable transportation restores dignity, opportunity, and hope. This ministry was started by Brad Jinkerson, a passionate mechanic at Lexus of Lexington, who saw firsthand how often a broken-down car stood between people and their future. Brad believed that everyone deserves a second chance—and sometimes, that second chance starts with a set of keys. Second Gear provides safe, reliable vehicles to low-income families, in the name of Jesus, so they can move forward with confidence and stability. Real Lives, Real Impact One recipient shared this testimony after receiving a vehicle through Second Gear: “A vehicle is an essential part of the American lifestyle — something many people, including myself, often take for granted. I never fully appreciated this until I no longer had a reliable one. I was recently accepted into a university 30 minutes away, but I considered withdrawing because my old car had more problems than positives. It couldn’t get me there safely. It would shut off in the middle of the road, wouldn’t drive over 25 mph, and the roof leaked whenever it rained. Now that I have a working vehicle, the impact on my life has been astronomical. Second Gear restored peace, stability, and joy to my daily routine—and played a major role in helping me work toward my future goals. I am forever grateful for their support and the opportunity to move forward with confidence.” This is what Second Gear is about. Not just cars—but freedom, safety, and the ability to dream again. How Second Gear Works Second Gear is designed to be sustainable, dignified, and intentional—for both donors and recipients. Step 1: Vehicle Intake & Repair Vehicles are donated to the MAP Foundation. f a vehicle can be repaired at a reasonable cost, it is serviced through MAP Automotive Group dealerships. Repair costs are covered by the MAP Foundation. Vehicles that cannot be repaired are sent to auction, with proceeds supporting the ministry. Step 2: Owner Readiness & Support Recipient families are selected through trusted partner ministries, including Lions Gate, Woodhill Community Center, Fatherhood Initiative, Emerald Youth Foundation, and others. Families receive financial coaching, provide proof of insurance, and commit to caring for the vehicle responsibly. As a way to “pay it forward,” families donate $50 per month for 24 months back to the MAP Foundation to help future recipients. How You Can Help Second Gear depends on people who are willing to give. Dealership option: Instead of sending a vehicle to wholesale, dealerships can donate it to the MAP Foundation. Customer option: Customers may choose to donate their vehicle rather than trade it in. For those who itemize their taxes, the IRS allows a charitable deduction based on the Kelley Blue Book estimated trade-in value—which is often more than a typical dealership offer. Your donated vehicle can become someone’s way to work, school, medical care, and a better future. More Than a Car Second Gear isn’t just about transportation. It’s about restoring dignity, creating stability, and showing the love of Christ in a practical, tangible way. Sometimes, the road forward starts with someone else choosing to give. If you’re interested in donating a vehicle or learning more about Second Gear, we invite you to check out our website at https://2nd-gear.com and join us in helping families shift into their next chapter—with confidence, safety, and hope.
Celebrating Community
The beginning of this year has brought us such a deep sense of gratitude for the people who make up MAP Automotive Group. The automotive industry moves quickly, both internally and externally, and that pace continually pushes us to adapt and grow. What stands out most is the grace and energy our team brings to every moment, even and especially on the demanding days. In a competitive and ever-evolving industry, our people rise to the occasion with drive, resilience, and a commitment to getting better together. No matter their state, store, department, or role, they embrace the work in front of them. They roll with the punches, put their best foot forward, and more often than not, do it with a smile. MAP Automotive Group is made up of so many hardworking individuals who consistently rise to expectations and often exceed them. Drive is part of who we are, but rising to expectations and often exceeding them is always something to celebrate. That drive is part of who we are. Just as meaningful as the results, is the camaraderie built along the way. As we grow and achieve together, you can clearly see the friendships and sense of family that naturally form. Each store reflects an incredible mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. That diversity strengthens us. It challenges us to grow, to listen, and to lead with intention. With February being Black History Month, it is a meaningful time to reflect and recognize the impact so many make every single day. We are proud to stand alongside the Black men, women, and leaders within our organization and grateful for the leadership, character, and care they bring not only to our company, but to the communities we serve. As we move into Women’s History Month next month, we are equally grateful for the exceptional women across our stores. Their strength, resilience, and leadership continue to shape our culture and raise the standard of excellence within our teams. Supporting and empowering women in the automotive industry is not just something we acknowledge for a month, but something we value every day. Each store is made up of individuals with their own strengths and perspectives, yet we are united by a shared commitment to excellence. When individuality and collective purpose align, something powerful happens. That connection, that support, and that shared drive are what set MAP Automotive Group apart.
