Tannia's Story

Tannia (whose name has been changed in this story to protect her privacy) was in a troubled and violent relationship.  For her safety and the safety of her child, she knew she had to leave her abuser, but this also meant leaving behind her home and most of her possessions.

Tannia found assistance from the Family Justice Center, The Spring of Tampa Bay and Bay Area Legal Services.  These three local social service agencies helped her start over, including securing employment and providing shelter and legal advice.  They also referred her to Wheels of Success.

According to The Spring’s website, “With the appropriate tools, victims can become survivors and live safe, prosperous lives.”  One of the tools of independence is having reliable transportation.  Very often, abusers exert control over their victims by denying them access to basic resources, like a car.  This makes it is difficult for women to leave abusive situations and they often return to their abusers because they feel they have no other choice.

Thanks to partnerships with local agencies, Tannia is one of three individuals who will be receiving a new-to-her vehicle this week from Wheels of Success.  Not only will Tannia’s vehicle allow her to get to her job and continue her education, it will give her a sense of empowerment, and she will no longer be isolated from family and friends.  Her vehicle will be a key component in rebuilding her life and stopping the cycle of abuse.

The Family Justice Center of Hillsborough County is a one-stop-shop for survivors of domestic violence, with staff from 27 partner agencies on site. These agencies work together as one team to serve the survivor, assisting the family with the multitude of services necessary to be safe from violence and in a peaceful home. Two of the services most often needed are legal aid and case management. Bay Area Legal Services provides legal assistance with Injunctions for Protection and family law issues, such as divorce, child custody and child visitation. They can also connect with the many services offered at their main location, if needed. The Spring of Tampa Bay provides assistance with many services, the most vital being shelter. They can also assist with relocation, address confidentiality and many other services designed to provide safety and help the family get back on their feet.  Of course, Wheels of Success then plays an integral part in helping that survivor move up in the workforce and maintain stability.  Working together, we can provide the support needed to help the person move from victim to someone who thrives!

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For more information, call Susan Jacobs at 813-417-1090

Proceeds to benefit Wheels of Success