Our History
2015-2017
The foundation years where Blake's heart for service transformed into OnRamp's mission
2015
The Heart of Service Begins
Blake Jennings begins repairing vehicles for financially struggling church members and staff, discovering the transportation barriers in his community.
Aug 2016
Vision Takes Shape
Blake conceives the idea for a vehicle donation charity in the Brazos Valley to help impoverished families in need of transportation.
Jan 2017
OnRamp is Born
OnRamp is incorporated as a Texas Non-profit, officially beginning its mission to gift reliable vehicles to hard-working people in need.
May 2017
Federal Recognition & First Client
OnRamp receives 501c3 status. Blake meets Marlo, a single mom of 4 who crystallizes the ministry's purpose.
Oct 2017
First Vehicle Donation
Blake raises enough funds for three vehicles! The first donation - a Chevy Tahoe - goes to Marlo, launching OnRamp's vehicle ministry.
Nov 2017
Community Partnership
Second vehicle donation completed through an independent Advocate, establishing the community partnership model.
Foundation
Growth
Expansion
Scale
Impact
2018-2019
Program innovation and academic recognition establish OnRamp's credibility
Jan 2018
Life-Saving Transportation
Third vehicle donation goes to someone needing transportation to qualify for an organ transplant, demonstrating life-changing impact.
Aug 2018
Two-Step Program Innovation
Introduction of the innovative Tier2/Two-Step option - providing temporary vehicles to help applicants meet program requirements.
Sept 2018
Academic Recognition
OnRamp is chosen as a Bush School of Government and Public Service Capstone Project by Dr. Catherine Cole's Masters-level class.
Apr 2019
Board Expansion
Dr. Catherine Cole becomes the first non-family member of the Board, bringing academic expertise and external perspective.
Foundation
Growth
Expansion
Scale
Impact
2020-2021
Professional staffing and geographic expansion transform OnRamp into a multi-location ministry
May 2020
First Employee Hired
Stephanie Mason joins as part-time Operations Manager, marking OnRamp's transition from volunteer-only to professional staffing.
Oct 2020
DFW Expansion Planning
Preparations begin to launch OnRampDFW, demonstrating the model's scalability beyond the Brazos Valley.
Jan 2021
Professional Partnership
Formal partnership begins with local Christian Brothers as GM Jeremy Smith joins the vehicle team.
Mar 2021
Technology Infrastructure
OnRamp adopts Smartsheets and begins building proprietary database for all future OnRamp locations.
July 2021
Full-Time Leadership
Blake Jennings is hired as full-time President, allowing dedicated focus on ministry growth and impact.
Foundation
Growth
Expansion
Scale
Impact
2022-2023
Operational maturity and milestone achievements demonstrate OnRamp's sustainable impact
Jan 2022
DFW Launch Success
OnRampDFW gives away its first vehicle, successfully expanding the ministry model to North Texas.
Mar 2022
Care Ministry Expansion
Cassidy Somervill joins as part-time Care Director, enhancing client support and relationship-building capacity.
Apr 2022
100th Client Milestone
OnRamp celebrates serving its 100th client, demonstrating significant community impact and ministry effectiveness.
Dec 2022
First Office Space
OnRamp moves into its first dedicated office space, establishing a physical ministry presence.
Jan 2023
Operations Leadership
Stephanie Mason is promoted to full-time Operations Director, reflecting ministry growth and operational complexity.
Apr 2023
First Formal Fundraiser
OnRamp hosts "Drive with OnRamp" - its first formal fundraising event, expanding donor engagement.
Foundation
Growth
Expansion
Scale
Impact
2024
Strategic growth and milestone achievements showcase OnRamp's expanding reach across Texas
Jan 2024
Communications Focus
Taylor Carlson joins as full-time Care Director while Cassidy transitions to part-time Communications Director.
Mar 2024
Coastal Bend Expansion
OnRamp Coastal Bend launches and donates a vehicle to their first client, extending ministry reach to South Texas.
May 2024
200th Client Celebration
OnRamp reaches another significant milestone, gifting a vehicle to its 200th client and doubling its impact in just two years.
Foundation
Growth
Expansion
Scale
Impact
OnRamp Ministry Impact
200+
Families Served
3
Texas Locations
9
Years of Ministry
∞
Lives Transformed