New Harrisburg nonprofit provides low-cost car maintenance, repairs to those in need
Good Karma Garage started their nonprofit organization in 2021 out of a residential garage. On Thursday, however, it had the privilege of moving to a commercial facility in Harrisburg.
The nonprofit car service held a ribbon cutting ceremony early Thursday at 610 Division St., with Mayor Wanda Williams in attendance to add a few remarks for the great work done by the organization.
“Harrisburg is so delighted to have a company here that is going to cater to the low-income, the veterans, and also the disabled,” she said. “They’ve done a wonderful job in the past and we know you will continue doing an excellent job in the city of Harrisburg.”
The business aims to help those struggling financially in the area with car maintenance, services, and inspections at little to no cost.
According to co-owner Cindy Case, both she and her husband Jeff found inspiration for their facility when they realize it was an unsupported need in their community.
And it is their love for helping others that continues to drive their business forward, she said.
“We would rather spend our time providing necessary services (not the ones garages tack on to boost the profit margin) with the profits helping our Working Class Heroes [program],” she said in an email to PennLive.
Working Class Heroes is an a program used by Good Karma Garage designed to help drivers meet the state’s safety and emissions inspections. There is no cost but car owners are required to pay the $60 inspection fees.
Jeff Case said the average car requires up to $315 worth of parts in order to have it meet inspection. Volunteer technicians help the Case family complete these tasks.
In the past year, the organization has helped out several members of the community, with costs reaching more than $20,000 in parts and $30,000 in labor in the span of a year.
Customers should schedule for an appointment. The garage is open three days a week: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Jeff Case hopes that more volunteers will eventually give their organization the ability to be open six days a week.
“If we can relieve one pressure from helping [drivers] out with their car, then that’s one less thing hanging over their head,” he said.
Jeff Case was also honored in today’s ceremony for his community service, and given a large donation check of $5,000 from FOX43 WPMT General Manager Chris Topf.
More information on Good Karma Garage can be found online.
