Friday, March 05, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Findlay Toyota donates van to help Street Teens

From left, Findlay Toyota general sales manager Odis Allison and Donna Findlay stand with Street Teens' vice president Patricia Johnston, group volunteer Elizabeth Cady and program director Lisa Preston and the van that was donated to the nonprofit group.

The perplexing problem of homeless teens received a big boost recently when Findlay Toyota donated a 1995 Mercury Villager van to Street Teens, a group that helps homeless teenagers.

The van is to be used to transport homeless teens to a shelter situated near University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It was the first time that a vehicle had been donated to the group.

According to spokesman Michael McInerney, as many as 100 teens from throughout the Las Vegas Valley are taken in by Street Teens each month.

"I really didn't realize how many kids are homeless," said Findlay Toyota general sales manager Odis Allison, who heads Findlay's 1050 W. Warm Springs Road location. "We have issues in all areas of society with the youth of the nation. But I really think people fail to realize these young people are working with the tools that we left them. I was so impressed with what the volunteers of Street Teens are doing. I want to become more involved in future years."

Forty-year Las Vegas resident Donna Findlay, Findlay Automotive Group president Cliff Findlay's wife, agreed that Street Teens is a huge help in Southern Nevada.

"There is a big need to help these kids," Findlay said. "The problem is a lot worse than many people know and it's such a shame. Street Teens gives the kids a safe place and not just a tunnel."

Las Vegas-based Street Teens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering homeless teenagers to move from a high-risk street life to one of stable self-sufficiency. Founded by David and Rosario Mereaux, Street Teens operates a drop-in center staffed by volunteers. The key, according to the group, is being able to find the homeless teens and convince them there is a better life.

At the sanctuary, the teens can find someone to talk with, get something to eat, take a shower or bath and secure clothing. Street Teens is completely dependent on donations to provide the basic services.

Findlay Toyota is part of the Findlay Automotive Group of dealerships. Founded more than 40 years ago by Pete Findlay, operations in Nevada, Utah and Arizona are headed by his son, Cliff.