Restoring Generations
Alex Levesque’s love for cars dates back to when he was just 5 years old. Over the years, his appreciation for vintage cars grew as he did, culminating in the purchase of his first project car in his 20s — a 1964 Mustang. Due to a lack of knowledge and role models, he never learned that his love for cars could turn into a career. Later, he worked as an architect, which landed him in Chicago. While there, he grew disheartened by crime rates and discouraging statistics as he watched the youth struggle to find their way.
For years, Alex recounted hoping that someone would do something to help the misguided residents in his area and beyond. When he continued seeing no change, Alex described a gut feeling that he had to do something about the problem himself — a gentle nudge from above. Not knowing where to begin, he pushed it aside, only for the whisper of it to come back months later. Finally, he decided to begin anyway. He would use his passion to help his community, and he’d just have to figure it out along the way.
Alex turned in his notice at work, went back to school and earned a vehicle restoration certificate. Soon after, he purchased an old auto body shop as his first building location. Then it was time to find some students. He began going door to door, spreading the word about his inspiring program to anyone he could find. Eventually, enough participants got on board, and the Automotive Mentoring Group began to take shape.
The volunteer program grew as the young adults took an interest in the cars they made. The real magic arose through the connections made inside the shop. Former law enforcement officers began volunteering as mentors, placing police officers under the hood with Alex’s students — most of whom had felony backgrounds. Alex quickly noticed how working together with mentors from “the other side” had the power to reframe the relationship these students had with authority. On any given day, his garage is abuzz with these life-changing mindset shifts.
Alex prides himself in the success stories he hears from people who have found their way thanks to his program. He recounts several automotive startups, family-owned businesses and restoration shops that have sprouted from the seeds he planted. Alex has shown his community the power a common interest can have and how far a little positive energy can go.
“I’m trying to use what little I have to create as much change as I can. I know with this program we’re reaching people. My kids are thinking differently because they finally have someone to show them how.” – Alex Levesque
Get Involved
To help the Automotive Mentoring Group continue its important work of restoring Chicago’s youth, you can donate today. Proceeds will go toward supplies, workspace and resources for the program. Alex hopes to one day pay his mentors for their time as it would increase their commitment to the program. In addition to donating, he encourages everyone to tell their friends, family, teachers, coworkers, etc. about the Automotive Mentoring Group to elevate its success and impact within society. Overall, Alex appreciates everyone’s support and is extremely hopeful for the future. He leaves us with one golden piece of advice:
“If someone has something to give of value, time, experience, wisdom, to their communities, then they should do that.” – Alex Levesque