A Houston-area U.S. Navy veteran and single mother now has reliable transportation thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, which partnered with Travelers and Caliber Collision to donate a refurbished 2021 Chevy Trailblazer.
Clydesley Shepherd, a decorated veteran and mother of four, previously relied on costly rideshare services to get to work, medical appointments and her children’s activities. The donation, presented at the I-CAR 2025 Leading Forward National Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown, is expected to provide her family with greater stability and independence.
"This vehicle is truly life-changing for my family," said Shepherd. "Not having reliable transportation has made everyday tasks difficult and expensive. Now, I can get to work, take my children where they need to go, and have the independence and security I’ve been missing. I am beyond grateful to Travelers, Caliber Collision, the National Auto Body Council and everyone who made this possible."
The ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders, including Doug Schlueter of NABC Recycled Rides; John Van Alstyne, CEO and president of I-CAR; Nick Pierrel, director of national auto field training at Travelers; and Robert Medina, regional vice president at Caliber Collision.
“NABC Recycled Rides is a powerful example of the collision repair industry’s commitment to giving back,” said Schlueter. "Reliable transportation is more than just a vehicle -- it’s the ability to move forward, to access opportunities and to regain independence."
The NABC Recycled Rides program, established in 2007, partners with insurers, repairers and suppliers to refurbish and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need. To date, the initiative has donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at approximately $51 million.
Additional organizations contributing to Shepherd’s vehicle donation included LKQ, Classic Chevrolet Sugarland, Caliber Auto Care, Tire and Wheel Connection, E&R Quick Service Mobil Detail, Little Famous Pinstriping, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity and Copart.
