Speaking at Cultivate Food Rescue, Mike Leep Jr. shared the Foundation’s continued commitment to investing in the health and well-being of families and communities.

The Leep Automotive Family Foundation has long believed in the power of collaboration and the greater impact it can have on the community. That belief has been lived out for nearly three decades through its enduring partnership with Hannah’s House. From the early days—when Karen and Mike Leep Sr. joined a founding committee alongside Women’s Care Center, St. Joseph Hospital, The Catholic Foundation, and others—the Leep family has played an integral role in supporting Hannah’s House and its mission. Inside the Leep Maternity Home, a Tree of Life mural stands as a tribute to this partnership, celebrating every child born at Hannah’s House with a gold leaf.

In 2024, the Leep Automotive Family Foundation helped bring together Hannah’s House and Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County—two organizations committed to equipping individuals with the tools and support they need to build brighter futures.

Hannah’s House is currently home to eight young moms and their nine children, ranging from one week to two and a half years old. While the organization provides a safe, supportive environment for these women and their children, the next critical step—achieving independence and securing stable, affordable housing—has often remained just out of reach for many of these families.

Meanwhile, Habitat builds starter homes for families ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership. What if the two organizations could work together to create a new kind of transition—a bridge from Hannah’s House to a Habitat home?

That’s when the vision started taking shape. With support from the Leep Automotive Family Foundation, Habitat broke ground on the first Homes of Hope transitional house. Designed by University of Notre Dame architecture students and built on land donated by the City of Mishawaka, the home will provide up to two years of stable, affordable housing for a Hannah’s House mother and her child(ren).

Habitat will lease the home to Hannah’s House, and the young mom will pay rent that gradually increases as she becomes more financially secure, while working toward long-term independence, including the possibility of qualifying for a Habitat home of her own. This home represents more than shelter, it represents the kind of community change that only happens when people, and organizations, come together with a shared purpose.

"This partnership is a dream come true. We’ve always known our moms needed more than a roof—they needed a next step. This partnership gives them that hope."

Susan Frucci
Executive Director of Hannah’s House

"This is what community looks like. When nonprofits come together, supported by visionary partners like the Leep Automotive Family Foundation, we’re able to create real, lasting change—one family at a time."

Jim Williams
President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County

We are Driven to Give in the communities where we do business.

2024 Graduate of Purdue University Northwest

Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in finance and accounting

"I would like to thank the Gurley Leep Changing Lives Scholarship program for the tuition assistance, allowing me to graduate with no student loan debt."

Jack recently passed his SIE exam in investment planning but ultimately found his passion in accounting. He is now working as a Staff Accountant I at the new Wind Creek Casino in Hazel Crest, Illinois, where he plays a key role in helping the department navigate its new responsibilities.

At Gurley Leep, we believe in giving back—and in living our values beyond the walls of our dealerships. In 2024, Dave Brubaker, General Manager of Team Chevrolet, embodied that commitment by serving as the Executive Chairman for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign in Northern Indiana.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Through his leadership, Dave not only championed awareness but also raised over $225,000 to fund research, education, and lifesaving programs in the community.

Empowering Youth to Dream Bigger

Smart Lexus, part of the Gurley Leep Automotive Family in Davenport, Iowa, partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley to help local youth explore their potential and prepare for the future.

During this memorable visit, a group of Bigs and Littles toured the dealership, exploring both the service department and showroom. Our master technicians and sales team shared insights into the automotive industry, from hands-on technical work to customer-facing roles, offering a glimpse into careers that these young people may never have imagined for themselves. The kids asked thoughtful questions, eager to learn what it takes to build a career in the automotive world.

“This was more than just a tour—it was a chance for these kids to imagine themselves in a new role, in a new world,” said Todd Hopkins, General Manager at Smart Lexus. “We talked about the hard work, dedication, and authenticity it takes to succeed in any industry. The kids also had a blast checking out all the cars in the showroom, especially the LC. Our goal was to show them that no matter where they start, there are countless paths to success.”