A local organization has a new tool in helping victims of sexual abuse, thanks to the assistance of a congressman and the generosity of a neighboring veterans organization.
On Tuesday Beyond Survival received a donated 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix from the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 5 in Bremerton.
Congressman Derek Kilmer’s office helped arrange the donation after a conversation he had with Beyond Survival staff in January.
Staff had told Kilmer they could better serve survivors of sexual assault if they had a vehicle.
Kilmer already had a connection with the DAV and his office put the donation in motion.
“We just connected them,” Kilmer said on Tuesday.
The DAV typically gives vehicles to disabled veterans, but donating the Grand Prix to Beyond Survival fit well into their general mission, as some victims of sexual abuse conceivably could be veterans, said Joel Courreges, Chapter 5 president and past state commander of Disabled American Veterans.
“We were waiting for the right vehicle and the right time,” Courreges said. “This was a good opportunity, and we found a car that runs well, looks good and doesn’t need a whole lot of attention.”
Beyond Survival board member Aminta Hill said Courreges was understating the effort and importance behind the donation.
“The Bremerton DAV held fundraisers to get the car,” Hill said. “That’s a very big deal for us — it’s very humbling and we’re very appreciative.”
The congressman, too, was impressed by the donation. “What’s amazing about the DAV is they’re all men and women who’ve served our country, and they continue to serve our country today,” he said.
Founded in 1993 as a sexual abuse crisis line, Beyond Survival is a Grays Harbor organization offering support, education and empowerment for all people impacted by sexual abuse. In 1995, Beyond Survival expanded into personal one-on-one assistance.
Now, with a vehicle, the organization will be able to provide transportation or make house calls to those in crisis.
The office is located at 313 South I Street in Aberdeen, with hours from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the office at 533-9751.
A 24-hour crisis line can be reached by calling 888-626-2640.
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