Raksha’s Economic Empowerment Program
Public Benefits
How do I look for a job?
ESL Classes
Driving and public transportation

Raksha’s Economic Empowerment Program

Raksha’s programs and services are designed to be holistic and support domestic violence survivors and their children from the moment they reach out for help until they are living independent and stable lives.  This means providing the initial therapeutic counseling and advocacy to help survivors cope with the trauma of the abuse they have endured.  It also means providing support throughout the transition from living in an abusive household to living in an independent, stable setting.

Raksha’s Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) serves approximately 50 to 60 women every year who need assistance in getting a job, overcoming transportation obstacles, women who want to pursue training or educational opportunities, clients who need assistance applying for jobs or finding better paying jobs. 

The Economic Empowerment Program offers the following services to domestic violence survivors and at-risk women from the South Asian community:

ESL – English as  Second Language
In 2009, Raksha will provide ESL classes free to clients.  These classes help clients overcome the barrier of English proficiency which can translate into more employment options and greater success in employment.

Career Coaching
Raksha currently offers career counseling to its clients on an as needed basis.  As part of its Economic Empowerment Program (EEP), Raksha offers a wide variety of structured career coaching services to clients.  Career coaching sessions on a variety of topics are offered to domestic violence survivors: 

·         Interviewing skills

·         Job search skills 

·         Networking 101:  How to build and use networks

·         Business Development Resources

·         Research/Development of Markets for Products

Individually tailored career coaching sessions enable individuals to clarify career goals, reflect upon personal values, identify skills, and systematically explore career options and opportunities.

Business Development Resources – Local & Online Markets
Raksha’s Economic Empowerment Advocate connects clients with training and assistance from local business development organizations that assist clients in writing business plans, locating resources, and applying for start-up capital.  In addition, Raksha will continue to pursue and provide market space for clients to sell their products.   In 2008, market space included a weekly booth at East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. Many products are made from clothing donations, and all proceeds go directly back to our clients.  View/purchase products made by our clients.

Research/Development of Markets
The Raksha Advocate works with organizers of many small community markets to find space for clients to sell products.  We secured a free booth at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market and were allowed to sell client products every week from May through November.  In addition, we are working with clients to use internet marketing as a means of generating income and moving towards self-sufficiency.

Resume Development
Raksha's Economic Empowerment Advocate offers resume development skills training and a resume critiquing service.  Raksha staff offers expertise in technical aspects of resume development (length of resume, fonts, paper color and type, section headings, etc.). 

Mock Interviews
A thirty-minute practice interview is offered to our clients.  Mock interviews give individuals the opportunity to practice marketing their skills and to identify strengths and weaknesses in a formal setting.  Clients are given the opportunity to practice and receive advice from the Raksha Economic Empowerment Advocate for ways to improve their presentation to potential employers and/or business associates.

Transportation Options
Lack of transportation is a barrier previously identified by Raksha clients.  As part of its economic empowerment program, Raksha identifies transportation options for clients.  Public transportation in Atlanta and surrounding counties is far from sufficient, so this assistance can be invaluable in helping a client identify options including bus, train, or driving lessons & licensure. Expanding transportation options also expands the employability of each client.  Raksha also has funds available to help certain qualified individuals who need extra support in obtaining driving classes, Marta tokens, etc. to help jump start their careers. 

Scholarships
Many survivors may not qualify for scholarships due to their lack of education and work history in the U.S.  For this reason, Raksha created an educational fund which provides support to clients in the form of scholarships.  These scholarships are provided to clients who might not otherwise qualify for financial assistance.  These scholarships can be used to also support English as Second Language classes, vocational training and certification classes.  Clients are required to submit an application and write an essay to apply for scholarships from the educational fund. 

Public Benefits

Click here to learn more about public benefits.

How do I look for a job?

Working legally in the United States requires citizenship, permanent residency or green card, and work authorization documents. You will also need to create a document called “a resume” that lists your educational background and work experiences. Below are some tips and suggestions to help you out during your job search.

• Look on the Internet! If you don’t have access to the internet at home, you can go to your community library and ask staff for help;

• Network! Talk to your friends, neighbors and community members and ask them if they know about job openings;

• Look in newspapers and magazines under the Classifieds section;

• Check bulletin boards in grocery stores, libraries, and community centers on a regular basis; and,

• Contact a job training or job placement organization. They can help you create a resume and also offer workshops that help you strengthen your interview skills.

ESL Classes

I would like to improve my English skills. What should I do?
Many community-based organizations, neighborhood centers, and public libraries offer free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to interested individuals.  You can contact the nearest library by clicking on http://www.af.public.lib.ga.us/instructional_learning_center.html , or  you can call 211 or click on http://www.unitedwayatl.org/  If you have Internet access and would like to take some ESL classes online, click on http://www.elearners.com/course/34831.htm and look for information. 

Driving and Public Transportation

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  • DMV is the Department of Motor Vehicles. Here you can find all the information related to driving licenses, vehicle insurance, vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, drivers’ education, ID cards, license plates, and much more. The link to Georgia’s Department of Motor Vehicles (GA- DMV) is http://www.dmv.org/ga-georgia/department-motor-vehicles.php 

  • MARTA is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, which provides public transportation through its railways and buses that run through most counties in Metro Atlanta. To learn more about MARTA go to http://www.itsmarta.com/  or call (404) 848-5000.

  • CCT is the Cobb Community Transit, which provides public transportation all through Cobb county areas. For more details regarding bus routes, schedules, fares, park and ride lots, please click on http://www.cobbdot.org/cct.htm or call (770) 427-4444.

  • GRTA is Georgia Regional Transportation Authority that works to improve Georgia’s mobility and air quality. For more information click on http://www.grta.org/

  • Carpooling is a great way to save gas, traffic, and time. Click on this link to find out more on carpooling and also to match any trip anywhere precisely and instantly:

  • GCT is the Gwinnett County Transit that provides paratransit services for the people of Gwinnett County. Click on this link to learn more on routes and services or call (770) 822 5510.

Raksha is a Georgia-based nonprofit support and referral network that promotes a stronger and healthier South Asian community through free and confidential direct services, education and advocacy.

Contact information: Helpline: (404) 842-0725 Office: 404 876 0670; Website: www.raksha.org.