Nonpro t
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Petra Cares students work together to learn during their seven-week course.
Petra Cares helps create a pathway for at-risk youth aging out of foster care.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Petra Cares creates pathway for at-risk youth
Petra Cares is the charitable arm of Petra Automotive Products in Cypress.
Arnold Gacita founded Petra Cares in 2021 to create a positive path for at-risk youth aging out of foster care in partnership with Lone Star College. The Petra Cares Automotive Training Program provides the tools needed to obtain a certication as a mechanic or auto technician in seven weeks. Giving back Gacita founded Petra Automotive Products retail shop in 2010, and Gacita said he felt a calling to create a charitable arm. Executive Director Brian Meza said 25,000-30,000 youth in America age out of foster care every year. “The statistics are harrowing. Within three years, up to 80% of them will either be homeless, in prison or dead because they have limited options,” he said.
The framework Petra Cares partnered with Lone Star College to create a course that would condense a full semester program into a seven-week course. Students learn the history of the industry, autoshop safety and the basics of autoshop. “We’re teaching them a valuable skill so that they can create value in the marketplace,” Meza said. Along with a job opportunity upon completion, Petra Cares provides transportation, tools, books and guidance to remove barriers for students. Since launching, Petra Cares has enlisted 33 students, graduated 19 and placed 15 in jobs. Meza said Petra Cares stays in touch with students who complete the program to continue guiding them.
REGENCY WOOD DR.
11085 Regency Green Drive, Cypress www.petra-cares.org
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