Raksha’s Economic Empowerment Program
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:
Career Coaching
Raksha currently offers career counseling to its clients on an as needed basis. Raksha offers a wide variety of structured career coaching services to clients including interview training, job search skills, networking, and resume assistance. 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.
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.).
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 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.
Empowerment Resources
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. Contact Raksha for information about an ESL class near you!
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. Click here to visit Georgia’s Department of Motor Vehicles’ website.
- 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.
- 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.
Though Raksha primarily serves the South Asian community, we provide services to all those who face similar barriers to justice, regardless of ability, country of origin, race, religion, caste, socioeconomic status, gender identity, age, immigration status, or sexual orientation.