Mechanic’s Make Mother’s Day Special for Domestic Violence Survivor

This Mother's Day, a group of local, independent auto mechanics gave a life changing gift a little different from the typical flowers and cards. Professional Auto Repair of New Orleans (PAR NOLA) partnered with the New Orleans Family Justice Center to give a car to a domestic violence survivor and single mother. 

The group acquired the used car in December 2016, and spent the past 4 months fixing all of the vehicle's mechanical and body issues to get it in top shape for its new owner. 

"Eight auto shops spent dozens of hours to make this special gift a reality," said Guy Valvis, president of PAR NOLA and owner of Guy's Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair in Metairie. "We were proud to find a way to use years of expertise to help a mother making the brave choice to start a new life for her family."

In addition to repairing and donating the car, the group also secured one year of insurance for the vehicle at no cost to the mother. Each member shop also gave customers the opportunity to pitch in and help support additional expenses such as gasoline and future maintenance.

"This is just an incredibly generous donation from an amazing group of mechanics," said Deanne Bowman, program director of the Crescent House with the New Orleans Family Justice Center. "One of the biggest hurdles facing single mothers who have survived an abusive relationship is transportation. This gift provides our recipient the freedom and opportunity to support her family."

PAR NOLA is made up of eight local shops including CAMS Automotive Services, Complete Automotive Repair & Services, Charlie’s Automotive Car Care Center, Contemporary Automotive, Geiling Service Inc., Guy's Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair, PM Automotive Service Inc., Scotty’s Tire & Automotive. 

The New Orleans Family Justice Center is a partnership of agencies dedicated to ending family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and stalking through prevention and coordinated response by providing comprehensive client-centered, empowerment services in a single location.