O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc., the philanthropy arm of O’Reilly Auto Parts, awarded a $25,000 grant to VPI to purchase a van dedicated to transporting clients, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to and from worksites so they can participate in various educational and employment programs.
“Transportation has always been a challenge for our clients,” said Tim Riebau, president and CEO of VPI, Inc. “Recently, it’s gotten worse as public transit hours in our area have been reduced. This van will help us ensure more people can achieve greater independence as they access job training, employment opportunities, and educational programs.”
VPI provided 4,986 rides to clients in staff vehicles in 2024, and they provided 6,584 trips in the two minibuses they already have.
“This initiative fits perfectly with so many of our focus areas, including economic stability, workforce development, and health and social services,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. “We hope this van will not only give greater independence to people in these programs, but also a sense of pride in their abilities.”
VPI’s grant is part of a year-end round of giving for the O’Reilly Foundation, which awarded $1 million across 35 nonprofits nationwide
VPI is currently creating a new Community Programs Collective, a fully accessible and inclusive space that will bring together its Early In.tervention Birth to 3 Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties, its adult day services, and its mental health, education and employment programs. If you’d like to donate or get involved, go online to vpiwi.org.
