Press release:
Wheels4Hope receives grant from Women for Women giving circle
Asheville, NC June 22, 2016 — The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina‘s Women for Women giving circle awarded Wheels4Hope Asheville with a $40,000 grant to boost car repair capacity and designate Helpmate as a primary partner. This partnership will provide dependable cars for survivors of domestic violence. For many victims of abuse, access to a car is essential in being able to escape the unsafe environment, earn an income, stay independent and break the cycle. Qualified applicants, referred to Wheels4Hope by their case managers at Helpmate must be employed, have the ability to save and pay $500 for the vehicle, and have a valid NC driver’s license. All Wheels4Hope cars come with a six-month warranty.
Helpmate provides crisis-level services designed specifically for – and offered exclusively to – victims of domestic violence and their children. April Burgess-Johnson, Executive Director of Helpmate, says, “Wheels4Hope helps our clients get affordable, dependable transportation that is so crucial to the activities of daily life, and in some cases, these cars may be a life-saver as a woman leaves her abuser.”
A recent vehicle recipient referred to Wheels4Hope by Helpmate says, “Having a running vehicle means freedom. It means more hours at work, more college classes, and a better life for me and my children. Without this car, I don’t know what I would do.”
Jamie Beasley, Coordinator of Wheels4Hope Asheville adds that “we are so grateful for the partnership of the Women for Women giving circle and Helpmate. Collaboration is the key. One donated car at a time, we are making a real difference in the lives of fellow community members.”
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About Wheels4Hope
Wheels4Hope is a volunteer-driven, faith-based, non-profit organization that repairs donated cars and matches them with economically-vulnerable people who need them.
We know that reliable transportation is critical to survive and thrive in this community, allowing people to care for their basic needs, remain employed, and spend time with their children. A car that starts opens the door to education, employment, and an improved quality of life. Our collaborative model bolsters the work of trusted, local partners (Helpmate, Homeward Bound, Habitat for Humanity, ABCCM’s Steadfast House, Mary Benson House, and Community Action Opportunities) by placing the vehicles with their clients – the ones they believe need them the most.
Since its inception in 2000, Wheels4Hope has placed over 1,000 cars with individuals and families across North Carolina, transforming the lives of over 2,500 adults and children.
Donated cars change lives!
For more information, please visit www.wheels4hope.org/Asheville or call (828) 633-6888.
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