The Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy (OWP), in partnership with IRIS Domestic Violence Center, Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), and Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges (LCTC), is proud to launch the Safe Wheels Alliance, a pilot program providing reliable transportation for clients of IRIS Domestic Violence Center who are survivors of domestic violence.
Director of the Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy, Laurie Marien, made it a priority to visit every domestic violence shelter in Louisiana upon starting her role at the Governor’s Office. Through her visits, she realized that access to dependable transportation is one of the biggest barriers survivors face in leaving abusive situations. Safe Wheels Alliance addresses this challenge while keeping survivors safe and independent.
The pilot program leverages BRCC students and instructors to repair and maintain vehicles, providing survivors of domestic violence with reliable transportation and giving students hands-on training that enhances their career preparation.
“My administration has always prioritized the safety and independence of women in Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Safe Wheels Alliance not only helps survivors gain the freedom they need to rebuild their lives but also gives our students the chance to learn and make a real difference.”
Currently, the Safe Wheels Alliance serves the IRIS Domestic Violence Center. However, the long-term vision is to expand the initiative across Louisiana by partnering with additional domestic violence shelters and community and technical colleges. The goal is for every survivor in the state to have access to safe and reliable transportation.
“The Governor’s Office has made it a priority to search for innovative ways to assist survivors of domestic violence. Safe Wheels Alliance allows survivors to benefit from resources that already exist at automotive repair programs within our Community and Technical Colleges,” said OWP Director Laurie Marien. “Our future automotive technicians will be making a difference in the lives of survivors while working towards their certifications. These services will help provide reliable transportation to survivors, enabling them to bring their children to school, maintain employment, and attend medical and counseling appointments on time.”
The pilot demonstrates a successful collaboration focused on enhancing safety for survivors and supporting students’ education and career development.
“The Safe Wheels Alliance is unique because it not only helps survivors of domestic violence achieve independence, but it also provides BRCC students with a true, hands-on learning experience that enhances their education and teaches them the value of giving back. This is a win-win for all of Baton Rouge, and we are proud to be a part of this effort,” said BRCC Chancellor Willie E. Smith, Sr. “Transforming lives is what we do best at BRCC, and this is just another example of how we achieve that.”
