A collaboration of state and local agencies is bringing a free, practical service to women who are survivors of domestic violence — keeping their cars running and in good shape.

Students enrolled in Baton Rouge Community College's technical classes will provide tire changes, tire rotations, and oil changes, as well as replace burned-out lights and make vehicle inspections for clients of the IRIS Domestic Violence Center.

“It is extremely important,” said Patti Joy Freeman, executive director of the Baton Rouge-based center that serves clients in nine parishes. “So much depends on a vehicle and a safe vehicle. I feel that it is an emergency need.”

The IRIS Domestic Violence Center repairs vehicles and sometimes even buys them for its clients when funding is available, Freeman said.

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