Good News Garage, a program of Lutheran Social Services, has officially launched its Rhode Island site! Good News Garage-Rhode Island is a collaboration of a dedicated team of volunteers whose vision was to bring Good News Garage (GNG) to the Ocean State to help low income residents move from welfare to work. Over the past year, committee members have been planning the start-up of the program, raising funds, reviewing applications, and educating the public about GNG's unique social service approach to car donation. Thanks to the committee's many hours of work, GNG-RI began awarding cars to clients in October.

The kick-off event, held on November 4, 2009, celebrated and honored the volunteers who diligently worked to bring their vision to the Ocean State. The event featured a short program with guest speakers from Good News Garage, Lutheran Social Services, the Rhode Island steering committee, a client and more. The event culminated with a Rhode Island family receiving their vehicle from Good News Garage. The event was featured in several local community newspapers. To read the full story, visit the Warwick Beacon.