01
Gather
Community automotive events create an inviting setting where young people, families, car owners, and approved mentors can meet.
Cars bring us together. Possibility drives us forward.
Great cars.
Real connections.
Better paths.
Kids Cars and Coffee connects young people with car owners and positive adult mentors who share the choices, setbacks, work, and support that helped them build a better future.
Real cars · real conversations
Mentorship · confidence · direction
Every young person deserves a chance
Why we gather
One conversation can change a direction.
Our mission is to connect young people with positive adult role models through a shared passion for cars—giving them encouragement, perspective, confidence, and real-life examples of better paths forward.
Founded in 2016 · California nonprofit public benefit corporation formed in 2022 · Form 1023-EZ submitted · Federal 501(c)(3) recognition pending
A remarkable car can start the conversation. The person behind it can share how they got where they are, what they learned the hard way, and which decisions helped change their life. We want young people to leave seeing more possibilities for themselves.
Who we serve
Open to youth. Especially meaningful for those who need another positive voice.
Broadly welcoming
Young people from all backgrounds are welcome. The program is designed around encouragement, connection, and exposure to adults who can model constructive choices.
Priority impact
We have a special commitment to youth who may have fewer consistent adult role models, including those affected by parental absence, incarceration in the family, or other difficult life circumstances.
How it works
Cars are the connection point. Mentorship is the purpose.
02
Share real stories
Car owners and mentors talk honestly about work, education, mistakes, discipline, opportunity, resilience, and how they moved forward.
03
Expand possibility
Young people gain confidence, practical perspective, career exposure, and a stronger sense that their current circumstances do not have to define their future.
Youth safety first
Connection with clear boundaries.
Guest car owners can participate in public event conversations, but ongoing or one-to-one mentors require a separate approval process. Our operating model is built around supervised, family-centered events.
Screening for designated mentors
Parent/guardian participation and consent
No private messaging with minors
No unsupervised one-to-one meetings
No rides or driving as part of youth activities
Clear event conduct and photo rules
Have a car, a story, or a little time? You may be able to change a young person’s outlook.
Tell us how you'd like to helpHow to get in touch
Start a conversation with us.
Car owner, potential mentor, parent or guardian, volunteer, sponsor, venue, or community partner? Tell us what brings you here and we’ll know how to follow up.