NEENAH, Wis. (NBC 26) -- JumpStart Auto Repair has announced it is permanently closing its doors and selling the auto shop.
JumpStart was founded in 2016 by Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs and Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services. Proceeds from car repairs go to the two agencies to help survivors of domestic violence. It allows survivors to get their cars fixed at low-cost or no-cost, according to Beth Oswald, the executive director of Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services. She said this allowed clients to have reliable transportation to help retain and maintain a job. The auto shop also provided education on auto maintenance and repair which, she said, can help with independence.
Oswald said it was not an easy decision to close the doors of JumpStart for good. She explained how the agencies were impacted by the pandemic which changed the way they look and even provide services. She added that they put a lot of extra time into JumpStart and it was taking away from their primary mission which is their agencies.
"JumpStart clearly helps our clients, but if we can't get them to the point of being safe, the rest of it is just really not part of our mission, so it was really difficult," Oswald said. "Had this virus not happened, we may have a completely different end result, but we had to come together and just decide what's the best for the clients."
A press release about the closure stated, in part, "The shift in business due to the pandemic followed the discovery that property had been stolen from JumpStart’s garage. The theft is currently under investigation by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. The combination proved to be a financial strain that the 4-year-old business could not bear."
Through the years, though, the garage has been an important resource for survivors.
"We've been able to help so many survivors get back on the road, learn about auto maintenance and repair, and help people see really the value in maintenance because sometimes when you pay for an oil change every three months, it feels like a lot of money and is it really needed? But to help survivors understand that is critical in the long run, and it is actually going to save you money," said Oswald. "We have individuals that went through learning series, and this was the first time that they were going own a car on their own and not have anyone else really take care of it for them. It was empowering for them to learn, 'okay, I know how to change my oil or check my oil, and I know what to do and at least when to ask for help and when to get help."
She also said she hopes they can grow the concept they've started in the community and form relationships with local small businesses who might be able to offer similar help to survivors as well as educational opportunities.
Oswald also reminded everyone that resources are still available during the pandemic to those who may be experiencing domestic abuse. She also encourages people to check on their neighbors and friends to make sure they're doing okay during this time.
For more information on Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, click here. For more information on Harbor House Domestic Abuse programs, click here.
