Open Avenues receives grant to support transportation efforts
by March 17, 2026 2:59 pm 243 views
The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc., the philanthropic arm of O’Reilly Auto Parts, recently gave a $10,000 grant to support a transportation program of Open Avenues in Rogers.
The Open Avenues Access to Work program is a door-to-door transportation program that ensures program participants can get to its job training center. Open Avenues provides job training and work experience for people with disabilities.
“Open Avenues provides real fulfillment to their program participants,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. “They get the dignity of working and contributing, while being able to grow and develop at their own pace.”
Kelly Sampson, chief development officer at Open Avenues, said the Open Avenues Access to Work transportation program has six vans and buses and is supported by the nonprofit’s staff, comprising 11 full-time and eight part-time employees.
Open Avenues serves about 120 people annually through various programs including community employment and high school transition programs. It also has about 75 participants in its on-site vocational training programs. Of those, the Access to Work program provides transportation to about 60.
“For many of the adults we serve, transportation is the bridge between potential and participation,” Sampson said. “This generous support from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strengthens our Access to Work program and ensures individuals with disabilities can reliably get to our job training and employment programs each day. That consistency builds confidence, grows skills and creates meaningful opportunity. We are deeply grateful for this investment.”
The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation recently awarded nearly $1.5 million to 50 nonprofits nationwide, including Open Avenues. According to a news release, it’s the largest distribution of funds from the foundation since its founding in 2020.