Contact:
Libby Rother
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Director of Development
(404) 784-4007
lrother@avlf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Receives Donated First-of-its-kind Mobile Response Unit to Help Atlanta Domestic Violence Survivors
ATLANTA (Nov. 17, 2022) – Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) was honored to receive a Mercedes Sprinter Van Thursday from Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, which was transformed by Live More Campervans into a mobile response unit designed to serve survivors of domestic violence.
Each year, AVLF provides support to more than 5,000 people who are experiencing intimate partner abuse. Access to legal aid can help domestic violence survivors leave dangerous situations, yet there are many barriers that can prevent them from securing help.
The first of its kind in Atlanta, the van will allow lawyers, social workers and program experts to rapidly reach those in need, meeting them where they are to provide immediate assistance. The van operates with a self-sustained large battery system and solar panels and features technology to enable secure remote connectivity to communicate with the Fulton County Court for hearings. “Too many people endure unsafe situations because they don’t have the financial means, the transportation, or the support systems needed to secure protection,” said Michael Lucas, AVLF executive director. “We are humbled to receive this generous donation from Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead and Live More Campervans because it will allow us to quickly reach people in crisis who wouldn’t otherwise make it to the Courthouse, improving the outcomes for individuals and
families.”
AVLF’s Jamie Perez and Cynthia Pearson who lead the organization’s place-based programs to support domestic violence survivors received the donation in person from Mike Willis, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead Commercial Vans Manager and Geoff Meeker, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead General Manager along with Trever Jones from Live More Campervans.
