New partnership providing transit journey coaching to home abuse survivors in Loudoun

The thought was influenced by the Northeast Illinois Regional Transportation Authority, which distributed transit passes to survivors in 2023. In that program, survivors used passes to succeed in medical appointments, court docket hearings, help teams and different companies. They additionally used them for every day wants resembling grocery purchasing, faculty drop-offs, job interviews and commuting to work.

“Access to transit also fosters stability for families going through a destabilizing time,” the Illinois authority reported.

As a part of the Loudoun initiative, coaching contains particular instructions to Dulles International Airport, which has job openings accessible. DATA has linked LAWS case managers with airport firm hiring managers, and LAWS workers and purchasers had been inspired to attend a job honest on the airport earlier in September.

“Independence is a critical part of healing after abuse,” mentioned Samantha Clarke, CEO of LAWS. “Survivors will now have the tools and confidence to travel safely to jobs, school, medical care and community resources, helping them rebuild their lives on their own terms.”

Guy Gravett, a board member of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, mentioned the inspiration was pleased to fund the initiative.

“Domestic violence does profound damage to a person’s ability to self-care,” he added. “We hope this transportation training and stipend will empower survivors to regain some autonomy and the ability to improve their economic situation and general wellbeing.”