Engine Angel’s service begins with a client’s phone call to our office and the conversation following “how can we help?”. Afterwards, personalized assistance ranges from counseling to a free repair to limited reimbursement of costs for a professional’s parts and labor and/or parts purchased by the client like tires, a battery, alternator, and the like. In 2024, the service extended to approximately 230 clients in New Hanover, 5 in Pender, and 8 in Brunswick.
Engine Angels is well known to a majority of agencies both public and private including DSS, schools, Catholic Charities, Harrelson Center charities, homeless shelters, and the like. In addition, there are many “word of mouth” referrals. Communities in Schools’
sharing of EA’s program has recently generated many contacts.
Although EA is focused only on women because of limited resources, all calls are answered and all callers are treated with respect. There are no preferences nor discrimination.
The level of assistance with reimbursements varies with EA’s financial resources. For instance, prior to United Way’s (UWay) support, EA reimbursed at 50% with a cap of $100 dwindling down to $25 as finances were depleted. After UWay’s support, UWay clients received reimbursement at 75% with a $400 cap, an amount that covered most repairs. EA’s clients (outside UWay’s Zone) were increased to 75% with a $150 cap. Financing from
the Endowment grant will enable EA to provide the same level of reimbursement to all clients, better enabling women living in marginalized situations to keep their car on the road.