Jason and Michelle Hurt are the founders of Chariots4Hope. After living on Long Island, NY for several years, they felt called by God to move to Omaha where they became franchise owners of Christian Brothers Automotive, a repair shop. After leaving the fast paced corporate life in the Big Apple, it was a blessing to have several months of downtime while they waited for their business to be built.
A few months after opening their small business, their hearts started being drawn to single mothers without transportation. They recognized a gap in the Omaha community and how challenging public transportation is. What started as serving families on the side engulfed their hearts and they took a leap of faith and left the business and jumped in together to serve the community. Chariots4Hope was born in October 2014.
Below is an interview with Michelle Hurt:
Who is the primary group that you serve with your organization?
Primarily we serve single moms, but our list has grown exponentially. We serve families, widows, veterans, singletons, and single dads. They just have to be over 18 to apply for Chariots4Hope.
What makes your organization different from others with a similar focus?
Our goal is to create a sustainable, attainable transportation plan. We have a program and an application process. This isn’t an organization that hands over a set of car keys and wishes them on their merry way. Our hearts are with the incredible people we serve and we want to build a healthy community that includes offering car repairs at an affordable rate and car maintenance education along with sharing our faith with them. We say all the time “It’s way beyond the car.”
What are some of your main fundraising events and when are they held?
We have 2 big fundraisers yearly.
• Feel The Freedom – Thursday, May 8th, 2025 (at Peter Finks American Muscle Car Museum)
• Chariot Champions Invitational – early October 2025 (at The Club at Indian Creek)
Who are the main members/leaders of your organization?
Jason and Michelle Hurt are the co-founders. Jason is the Executive Director/President. Michelle is the Development Director. We also have a governing board and an event committee. Chariots4Hope has a total of 9 employees.
Are there any local businesses that have been especially
helpful in sponsoring or supporting your organization?
WOW! We have been blown away with the outrageous generosity and support the local community has graciously provided. These a just a FEW!!
• Mr. Car Shipper
• Gina V Physical Therapy
• Wilhelm Mortgage
• Anderson Auto Group
• US Property
• Whiting-Turner Construction Company
• Certified Transmission
• Arrow Stage Lines
• Life Church
• Going Vertical
How do you get the word out about your organization?
LOTS of networking! Social media, presentations, podcasts, word of mouth, radio and we’ve been highlighted on the news and periodically in local magazines.
Where do you see your organization in five years? 10?
We’ve already created Chariots4Hope USA. Our goal is to create local Chariots Chapters across the Midwest. We have a pilot chapter in LaCrosse, WI and they just celebrated two years! We’re also working on a new program, Safe Route, that will help transport DV clients and sex trafficked survivors from a hostile environment to a safe house by working with local non-profits and law enforcement. Safe Route will eventually be its own non-profit but will start under the umbrella of Chariots4Hope.
If someone asked how they could help your organization,
what would you tell them?
We are always looking for volunteers, community partners and financial support. We always welcome their time, treasure or talents. Specifics listed below.
• Pit Crew Members-Monthly Giving
• Event Sponsors
• Wrenches For Impact
• Jumpstart Sponsors
• Volunteers at events
• Chariots Cheerleaders/Promoters/Connectors
What are the biggest needs of your organization right now?
Cars, Cars, Cars, Pit Crew Members, sponsors. Car donors are a vital component of C4H. We take working and non-working vehicles. Recuring revenue is also crucial for non-profits. A donation of $25 or more will make a considerable impact. We also need sponsors and attendees for the Feel the Freedom event.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We are so honored to serve the community at the capacity we do. There are incredible women and men that are excelling in their journey and it’s such a blessing to be a small part of their journey/comeback story. Chariots4Hope is FULL of joy, hope, love and restoration. It’s a local non-profit that you can literally touch, see and feel your donation in motion.
We’ve yelled “surprise” over 700 times and it NEVER gets old, witnessing someone’s life change right before your eyes.
Jason and Michelle said, “Yes” to a burden and looking back, there were several people (over 5,000 served) waiting for that yes. As a non-profit you think you are helping, assisting the client, but in return, they end up inspiring, encouraging and loving us. Be encouraged, Omaha, there are lot of amazing ordinary people, doing extraordinary things! May God receive all the glory!
Related Articles
Jul. 6th, 2024
Coping with Grief After Losing a Pet
Oct. 28th, 2024