Phoenix-area resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

Phoenix-area resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

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American Family Insurance and body shop Gerber Collision & Glass teamed up to provide the refurbished vehicle during a presentation at the March 1 Milwaukee Brewers^TM spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix^TM.

Through National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, American Family partners with local auto body shops to donate vehicles that have been declared a total loss, which could result from a collision, hail damage or other accident. This nationwide, nonprofit project, organized by the NABC, repairs and then donates vehicles to deserving recipients.

From total loss to significant gain
When a car is declared a total loss, American Family pays the customer for the actual cash value of the vehicle before the loss. American Family usually takes possession of the vehicle and can sell it through a salvage vendor. With this program, rather than take the salvage proceeds, American Family donates the vehicles and a local auto body shop donates its services to repair them. Other vendors also offer parts and services. The vehicles are repaired to industry standards and meet safety requirements.

American Family and Gerber Collison & Glass worked together with a nonprofit organization to identify a deserving recipient for this gift. Recipients meet certain requirements such as need, valid driver's license and ability to insure and maintain the vehicle.

For this gift, the nonprofit partner was St. Joseph The Workerof Phoenix. St. Joseph the Worker is focused on helping people facing homelessness, poverty and other barriers to become self-sufficient through meaningful, stable employment. Their work centers on employment as the foundation for long-term stability and community prosperity. Their goal is to connect people with jobs and stable housing, building essential life skills and supporting them holistically so they can move from survival to independence.

NABC Recycled Rides latest recipient
St. Joseph the Worker staff have worked with recipient Sarah Phillips, a devoted single mother taking many steps to improve her and her daughter's life. She moved from Chicago to Glendale last year and has been working hard to establish roots in the community. Sarah has never owned a car and transportation is an ongoing challenge for her, whether getting to work, appointments and doing everyday errands. Having a reliable vehicle will be life-changing for Sarah and her daughter, providing independence and stability. St. Joseph the Worker has been assisting Sarah and staff have witnessed her determination to succeed firsthand. They will continue to provide Sarah with support on her journey to self-sufficiency.

Sarah along with her mother Michelle and her daughter, were special guests at the recent Milwaukee Brewers vs. Kansas City Royals spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix.

"After more than a decade of participating in the Recycled Rides program, we continue to see the incredible positive impact reliable transportation has on someone's life," said Tim Constien, American Family Insurance chief claims officer. "With this vehicle, Sarah will be equipped to succeed at building a secure, thriving future for her family and move her along the path to self-sufficiency by overcoming daily barriers. We know this will be a life-changing step toward a safe and secure future and we're honored to assist Sarah on her journey."

Representatives from the participating organizations presented Sarah with the keys to a completely refurbished 2022 Honda Odyssey.

In addition to Sarah, her mother and daughter, attending the event from American Family Insurance was Constien and Danny Henderson, vice president of claims. From Gerber Collision & Glass, Gary Bunce, senior vice president of sales, and Dennis DeMaio, national account manager. Also joining Sarah and her family was Brittany Bunce with St. Joseph the Worker.

Photo caption from group photo, left to right: Help from one of the Brewers Famous Racing Sausages, Sarah and family, Brittany Bunce, Tim Constien, Danny Henderson, Gary Bunce, Dennis DeMaio

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About American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance, a mutual holding company based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 202 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current 'a+' credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a "Standing the Test of Time" company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of 'A' or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.