Our Mission:

To link underserved, re-entry, minority, and women populations with employers.

Our Purpose:

Providing exposure to the trades through short-term trainings and pre-apprentice programs.

Our Process:

We implement curriculum designed by industry leaders to train individuals in the skilled trades. Then we leverage industry suppliers, employers and job placement programs to help job-ready candidates find the right employer.

The Meaning Behind Garage82

Garage82 is more than a name—it’s a reflection of purpose, passion, and possibility.

The “garage” represents a deeply personal space: a place of creativity, restoration, and hands-on transformation. For founder Laurie Narciso, the garage is a sanctuary—a place to build, reflect, and innovate. It symbolizes the environment Garage82 strives to create for its participants: a safe, empowering space where individuals can rebuild their futures through skill and purpose.

The number “82” carries a sobering truth: it represents the 9-year recidivism rate for formerly incarcerated individuals in the United States. This statistic—82%—is a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that justice-involved individuals face upon re-entry. Garage82 exists to challenge and change that number by unlocking human potential and providing real pathways to living-wage employment in the skilled trades.

The octopus in the logo adds a layer of symbolism that speaks to the spirit of the organization. With three hearts and nine brains, the octopus is a creature of intelligence, adaptability, and creativity. It embodies the qualities Garage82 instills in its participants: resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to thrive in complex environments.

Together, the name and logo of Garage82 tell a story of transformation—of turning obstacles into opportunities, and of building a future where everyone has the tools to succeed.