LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A first kiss, a first job and a first car are all rites of passage for teenagers. But not all teens get to experience the joys of a new car. Eric Benson wants to change that.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kid Count Data Center, 16% of foster kids in Kentucky are between 16 and 20 years old. 

What You Need To Know

  •  The First Car Project wants to help teens in foster care secure their first cars

  • The nonprofit started when it's co-founder decided he wanted to give back to the community

  • The First Car Project hopes to cover the costs of the slightly used car along with initial maintenance, insurance and registration

Benson is a big fan of cars.

“My mom, when I was little, would pat me on the leg and say, ‘Oooh, look at that car,’” Benson said.

In fact, he likes them so much that during the pandemic he created RiverCity Rippers, a club for fellow car fanatics to share their common interest.

The group quickly grew to about 3,000 members, and Benson decided he wanted to help the community more.

“You know, we weren’t blessed to have a bunch of fancy cars in our in our home. And so it was always something to work toward. And then, you know, now that I’m older and can have those things, I want to share them. And if we can share them with kids, great,” said Benson.

Benson then co-founded The First Car Project, a nonprofit trying to eliminate barriers for teens in foster care and get them behind the wheel of their first car.

The First Car Project is accepting pledges to help meet its goal to give two cars to Kentucky foster kids in 2024.

Lisa Barber Atwell with St. Joseph’s Children’s Home said the foster care system is facing a crisis and says families are often reluctant to foster older children compared to those under eight years old.

“Even your own kiddos, your own birth kiddos, are going to make mistakes. Even your own birth kiddos are going to maybe get in with the wrong crowd or make poor choices. It’s no different. Foster kiddos are just kids, you know, they need that guidance and need that support.”

A father of two young adults, Benson said, having a car provides independence and allows them to more easily transition to being an adult.

“When you get to that 17, 18-year-old age, it’s time to start working. It’s time to go to college. It’s time to be productive. And typically, you know, the biggest hurdle that foster children have is establishing a car,” Benson says. 

The First Car Project hopes to cover the costs of the slightly used car along with initial maintenance, insurance and registration.

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