By Kristi Spencer
Pictures are of Mike Gideon, owner of Higher Power Garage, and Kassidey Borland, who was able to purchase a car from Higher Power Garage.
Higher Power Garage in Joplin, Missouri, is more than a car repair shop. It’s a community resource that helps people regain their independence. Founded by Mike Gideon, this nonprofit auto repair shop provides essential services to those who need them most. Through affordable repairs, vehicles and educational resources, Higher Power Garage is helping individuals overcome challenges and build a better future.
The Road to Higher Power
About 10 years ago, Mike Gideon found himself at a crossroads, reflecting on his career. After running Gideon’s Tire & Auto for over 30 years, he began questioning the impact he had made. Then, he came across a quote that changed his perspective: “We shouldn’t fear failure; we should fear succeeding in something that didn’t matter.”
“That really struck a chord with me,” Mike says. “I started thinking about how my business could be used to make a difference in people’s lives, instead of just as a money maker.”
That realization led Mike to shift his focus from profit to purpose. He began offering low-cost vehicle repairs and partnered with local churches to help people who couldn’t afford to have the work done.
“We would see people coming in with major issues like brake and suspension problems, things that were dangerous. And they just didn’t have the money to fix them,” he recalls.“We started thinking, how can we use this business to make an impact?” With an empty building and an employee willing to help, Mike took the leap.
Opening a nonprofit during the COVID-19 pandemic posed its own challenges, but with determination and prayer, the team opened the doors of Higher Power Garage June 1, 2020, exactly as planned.
“We were able to open right on time, and that was such a blessing,” Mike reflects.
Building Independence
At Higher Power Garage, the focus is on empowering people, not creating dependency. The team believes in providing individuals with the resources and skills they need to thrive, instead of just offering free services without fostering self-sufficiency.
When someone applies for assistance, they pay for the cost of parts, while the labor is free. If they need additional repairs later in the year, they may be asked to contribute through community service to cover the labor costs. This helps ensure people remain invested in their own success.
“We don’t want to build dependency,” says Mike. “We want to help people move forward in their lives.”
Alongside the repairs, the garage offers educational classes to help clients build better financial habits. The courses cover money management, basic auto maintenance and even credit scores.
“We’ve found that many of our clients don’t even have a budget, or they don’t know how to maintain their car,” Mike explains.
Lives Changed
Higher Power Garage’s Barriers to Work program helps people get affordable, reliable transportation. Kassidey Borland, a single mom of two, is one of the many people who’ve benefited from the program. Her story shows just how much a car repair or the chance to own a dependable vehicle can change everything.
Kassidey learned about Higher Power Garage through her pastor at a time when she was struggling. A year before, her car was hit by a semi-truck, leaving her with a car payment she couldn’t afford. Eventually, her car was repossessed and Kassidey found herself without reliable transportation. Even with a full-time job, she couldn’t keep up.
“I was a single mom with two kids, and I just couldn’t keep up with the car payments or the insurance,” Kassidey says. “When my car was repossessed, I was stuck.”
Through Higher Power Garage, Kassidey was able to attend budgeting and basic auto maintenance classes.
“The classes were really helpful. I learned how to check my fluids, change a tire and take care of my car. The budgeting class was eye-opening, too. I never realized how much I was wasting.” – Kassidey Borland
“The classes were really helpful,” she says. “I learned how to check my fluids, change a tire and take care of my car. The budgeting class was eye-opening, too. I never realized how much I was wasting.”
After completing the program, Kassidey was able to receive a used vehicle at a reduced price. “The day I got my car, I was just so relieved,” Kassidey says. “Now I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to get to the doctor or pick up groceries. I can do the things I need to do for my family without depending on someone else.”
Expanding Reach
In 2024, Higher Power Garage saw a significant increase in demand. They received 1,100 applications and completed 463 repairs. While the number of applications nearly doubled, the number of repairs didn’t keep up. To help manage this growing need, the team added an additional technician. With a staff of six, including three full-time technicians, Mike and his team are working hard to meet the rising demand.
“We’re seeing more people in need, and we’re doing everything we can to keep up,” Mike says. “I believe this demand will only continue to grow as more people face financial challenges.”
Higher Power Garage is constantly expanding its impact. This year, the nonprofit is revamping its financial planning classes and partnering with local organizations to add new courses, including one on vehicle ownership and insurance.
“We’re always looking for ways to better serve our community,” Mike says. “We want to make sure our clients have everything they need to succeed, not just in their cars, but in their lives.”
How You Can Help
If you’re looking for a way to give back, Higher Power Garage offers several opportunities to make a difference, whether it’s by donating money or even a vehicle. Mike emphasizes the importance of community involvement: “We’ve been blessed to have so many people support us. We couldn’t do this without the help of our donors and volunteers.”
Fueling a Legacy
Higher Power Garage is a prime example of how one person’s vision and faith can make a real difference. By combining car repairs, life lessons and compassion, they’re helping people get back on the road. Mike’s team is dedicated to removing the barriers that keep people from thriving.