Houston Charity Fuels Futures for Foster Youth in Auto Industry

HOUSTON, TX – April 15, 2026 – At a glittering gala that raised over $1 million last week, Houston-based nonprofit Petra Cares celebrated a milestone that translates directly into turning wrenches, earning paychecks, and building futures. The funds, raised at the 3rd Annual "Fueling Futures" Gala, are the lifeblood of a program that tackles two of the region's most pressing crises: the grim prospects for youth aging out of foster care and a severe shortage of skilled automotive technicians.

For the tens of thousands of young adults who leave the foster care system each year, the statistics paint a bleak picture. Within three years, an estimated 80% face homelessness, incarceration, or worse. Fewer than 3% will ever earn a college degree, creating a cycle of instability that is difficult to break. It was this systemic failure that spurred the creation of Petra Cares, and its success is now providing a powerful counternarrative.

A Solution at the Crossroads of Crisis

The brilliance of the Petra Cares model lies in its strategic design. Founder Arnold Gacita, president of Petra Automotive Products, identified a unique intersection of need and opportunity. On one side, a vulnerable population of young people is left without a safety net at a critical life juncture. On the other, the automotive industry is grappling with a massive workforce deficit.

Industry data confirms the urgency. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects around 70,000 openings for automotive technicians each year for the next decade, largely to replace a retiring workforce. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) reports an even starker reality, estimating an annual need for 76,000 new technicians while U.S. training programs graduate only about 39,000. This gap doesn't just mean longer waits for car repairs; it represents a vast field of untapped career opportunities with stable, living-wage potential.

Petra Cares exists to bridge that gap. The nonprofit provides a direct pipeline, transforming at-risk youth into skilled, certified, and desperately needed employees. "Every dollar raised moves us closer to changing lives by breaking the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and instability," said Brian Meza, executive director at Petra Cares, in a statement following the gala. "Together, we are building a better future for generations to come.”

The Architect of a Second Chance

The vision for Petra Cares is deeply personal for its founder. Arnold Gacita, who emigrated from Cuba as an infant, built his company, Petra Automotive Products, from the ground up. His entrepreneurial success is rooted in a powerful work ethic passed down through his family. After years of supporting international charitable causes, he turned his focus to a crisis in his own backyard.

"I started Petra Cares because I believed the foster care system was failing young people at exactly the moment they needed the most support,” Gacita stated. He saw a path to create tangible change by pairing this underserved population with the high-demand automotive trade.

Under the operational leadership of Brian Meza, a veteran youth worker with 25 years of experience, that vision has become a highly effective program. Since its first class in June 2023, Petra Cares has guided over 140 young adults from precarious situations to promising careers. The program's success is not accidental; it is the result of a meticulously designed, intensive support system.

Inside the Seven-Week Launchpad

The core of Petra Cares is a seven-week, full-time training program that leaves no stone unturned. Students are immersed in an ASE-certified curriculum, gaining hands-on skills to become level-one automotive technicians. The training is supplemented by a partnership with Lone Star College, allowing graduates to earn two college credits, an important first step in higher education.

Recognizing that technical skills alone are not enough, the program dedicates two weeks to crucial life skills training. This holistic approach addresses the complex barriers these young people face. To ensure they can fully commit to the rigorous schedule, students receive a weekly stipend, and the program covers costs for tools, transportation, and certification exams.

Upon graduation, the support continues. Job placement is not an afterthought but an integrated part of the program. Petra Cares leverages its extensive industry network to connect graduates directly with employers ready to hire. The result is a 78% job placement rate, a figure that speaks volumes about the program's efficacy.

For graduates, the impact is life-altering. “I grew up in foster care and spent a lot of my life making the wrong choices because I didn’t think I had a future,” shared Damacio Perez, a recent graduate. “Petra Cares gave me more than training – it gave me structure, belief, and a real path forward. Today, I’m working as an automotive technician, earning an honest living, and dreaming bigger than I ever thought I could. For the first time, I’m building something I’m proud of.”

The Power of Community Partnership

The success of Petra Cares and its record-breaking $1 million gala are a testament to a powerful community coalition. The organization has cultivated deep partnerships with corporate sponsors and industry leaders who provide more than just financial support—they offer jobs, mentorship, and essential life skills training.

At the gala, Petra Cares honored two key partners for their exceptional commitment. Mac Haik Automotive Group was recognized for hiring more than 15 graduates, providing them not just with jobs but with long-term career paths and mentorship. This commitment to second-chance hiring is a cornerstone of the program's success, creating a reliable pathway from the classroom to the service bay at employers like Gullo Ford, Fred Hass Toyota Country, and Christian Brother’s Automotive.

Regions Bank was also honored for its role in empowering students financially. The bank delivers a financial literacy curriculum that equips participants with the tools to manage their new income, build credit, and plan for an independent future—skills that are critical for breaking the cycle of poverty.

With its proven model and growing support, Petra Cares is now looking beyond Houston. The organization has announced plans to expand its operations to Los Angeles, a city with one of the nation's largest foster care systems. By partnering with Puente Hills Ford, Petra Cares aims to replicate its success on the West Coast, offering a beacon of hope to another community of young people in need of a chance to thrive.