Drive to Thrive: Empowering Young Adults with the Gift of Mobility

hand holding keys out to give to another hand; hand holding keys wearing business suit; hand accepting keys has a denim jacket on; silver car in background blurred

A new nonprofit organization in Excelsior Springs is offering young adults an invaluable resource—reliable transportation. Drive to Thrive was founded by Excelsior Springs citizen Julia Westerheide Goldstein, with a mission to empower young adults by providing them with access to affordable car ownership, a critical stepping stone toward opportunity, self-sufficiency, and success. As part of the Excelsior Springs Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, Drive to Thrive assures donors that all contributions are secure and tax-deductible.

A “Hand Up” Not a “Handout”

At the heart of Drive to Thrive’s approach is the belief in providing a “hand up” rather than a “handout.” The organization offers low-interest loans to assist young adults in purchasing cars, as well as covering related expenses such as taxes, insurance, registration, and necessary repairs. By providing access to reliable transportation, Drive to Thrive helps participants gain employment, build independence, and strengthen their credit—critical steps toward long-term financial stability.

The positive ripple effects of owning a vehicle extend beyond practical benefits. For many, having reliable transportation enhances feelings of confidence and independence while reducing the stress of not being able to access work, education, or essential services. Drive to Thrive aims to break the cycle of generational poverty by offering equitable opportunities for mobility and success.

Eligibility Requirements and Educational Support

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed six weeks of continuous employment and participate in a series of foundational classes. These classes are designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully own and maintain a vehicle:

  • “The Guiding Light” Credit Counseling – Understanding how to build and manage credit.
  • Insurance Basics – Learning about necessary insurance coverage and responsibilities.
  • Car Ownership Responsibilities – Ensuring vehicles remain safe and roadworthy.
  • Routine Maintenance – Training on essential car care such as oil changes, tire checks, and fluid levels.
  • Car Towing Basics – Understanding how to handle car emergencies.

This combination of financial literacy, practical skills, and hands-on learning ensures participants are well-prepared to succeed.

A Program That Keeps Giving

Drive to Thrive operates on a pay-it-forward model. As participants make their loan repayments, these funds are reinvested into the program to help the next young adult gain access to a vehicle. This model creates a sustainable cycle of giving, ensuring that each contribution continues to impact multiple lives for years to come. Donations, whether financial or in-kind, play a key role in making this vision a reality.

Living the Dream Raffle

Drive to Thrive is currently holding a “Living the Dream Raffle” with exciting prizes for participants. Tickets are $25 each, or 5 tickets for $100, with a chance to win 2 club level seats and a parking pass for the Kansas City Chiefs Home Opener in 2025. Other fantastic Chiefs-themed prizes include a certified signed jersey, a certified signed framed player photo, and a Super Bowl IV collector’s football. This raffle not only offers thrilling prizes but also directly supports Drive to Thrive’s mission to help young adults access the mobility and independence they need to succeed.

For more information about the Living the Dream Raffle or to purchase tickets, visit esgives.org/drive-to-thrive.

Drive to Thrive is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a movement that is empowering young adults and creating lasting change in the Excelsior Springs community. By helping individuals gain access to reliable transportation, the organization is paving the way for a future filled with opportunity, confidence, and success. Together, we can put young people in the driver’s seat of their future—one car at a time.

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