We support those working to get out of poverty.
Having a reliable vehicle can mean the difference between employment and unemployment, safety and risk, and independence and helplessness. In fact, studies show that having access to a reliable vehicle correlates with less stress, higher earnings, and more employment opportunities.
This is why Cars for Keeps only leases vehicles to those in need, it also provides stability, freedom, dependable transportation, financial education classes, and most of all—hope to those working to find a way out of generational poverty.
Our team of dedicated professionals has spent years developing the Cars for Keeps vehicle lease program.
They have a heart for assisting people in breaking the chains of generational poverty because hardworking people should not have to struggle to make ends meet.
Cory Shively
Chairman/Founder
“Every once in a while, everyone needs a little support/encouragement to help get them across the finish line or to their next goal—and that's what Cars for Keeps is all about."
Cory Shively
Chairman/Founder
After graduating from Purdue University in 1999 with a degree in Computer Graphics Technology, Cory went on to co-own CG Visions—a Lafayette, Indiana based company providing professional services for the Residential Builder industry.
After selling the company, Cory stayed on as director of sales until 2021, and when he was able to step away, was allowed more time to concentrate on the development and operations of Cars for Keeps—an idea he’d been conceptualizing since 2012.
“I enjoy being able to help someone bridge out of poverty and show them the love of Jesus. Every once in a while, everyone needs a little support/encouragement to help get them across the finish line or to their next goal. I look forward to getting to know people within our community and their stories—and hopefully, Cars for Keeps can help them get over that hump to reach their goals.”
In his free time, Cory spends time with his wife, Shylo, and their two children Porter and Nora. He also enjoys hiking, being outside, woodworking, and tabletop gaming.
Kristin Linder
Treasurer
"Oftentimes, all it takes is a little knowledge and education, and a person is able to flourish and share their experiences and knowledge with others like a chain reaction."
Kristin Linder
Treasurer
Kristin, who has been with Cars For keeps since its inception, graduated from Purdue in 2001 with a bachelor degree in Organizational leadership and Supervision, and received her BSN from Purdue as well. She is a Registered Nurse who currently works in Staff Education within a local hospital system.
A servant at heart, Kristin has had experience in her career providing or arranging much-needed transportation to hard-working parents in the community, and she loves sharing the talents and resources she’s been blessed with to help others realize their potential.
“I am inspired by the results seen when others realize their true potential. Sometimes all someone needs is a hand to guide them from the darkness they are in at that one moment in time. Oftentimes, all it takes is a little knowledge and education, and a person is able to flourish and share their experiences and knowledge with others like a chain reaction. I think Maya Angelou said, ‘when you know better, you do better’—and I can’t agree more!”
Kristin is nearing the empty-nest stage of parenting—and in her free time, enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors with her husband. When she’s not at work, you can often find her designing and decorating interiors or refinishing furniture.
Jon Schirm
Secretary
"Everyone needs help at some point in their life. Serving with Cars for Keeps gives me a chance to help people find the help they need in a very specific and intentional way."
Jon Schirm
Secretary
Jon graduated from Purdue University in 2001 and has since been the owner/president of Sustainable Ways, Inc from 2010-2017. He currently serves as the Campus Pastor for the Greater Lafayette Campus of Northview Church.
Jon—along with his close friend and founder of Cars for Keeps, Cory Shively—has been dreaming and praying since 2021 about a way to make the idea for car assistance programs for the local low-income community a reality.
“Everyone needs help at some point in their life. Serving with Cars for Keeps gives me a chance to help people find the help they need in a very specific and intentional way. Getting the chance to truly meet people where they are, see them and their need, and walk with them through it in such a way that helps them know God more fully is what drives me. One encounter with Jesus changes a person forever. There is nothing greater I can do with my time than help people have that encounter.”
When Jon’s not working, you can find him hiking, biking, paddling, camping, and spending time with his wife, Veronica, and his kids Alaina, Aidan, and Asher.
