Testimonials
“Like every refugee, M. experienced so much trauma coming here. She had been working with an NGO [in Afghanistan] promoting gender equality and peacebuilding, then had to leave very suddenly.
I can see how riding the bike is just a break from all of the weight and hardships she has to deal with…Her face absolutely lights up whenever she talks about the bike. A few times she said, "I can't believe I have my very own bike.”
This gift is more than just two wheels and a frame. It's freedom, joy, connection, confidence, fun, and so much more!”
- E., friend to M. (Voucher Bike Recipient)
“When I arrived in the US from Iraq last year, I wanted to buy a car to get around but it was too expensive to get one. When Jake gave me a bike last April, it was like being given a car.”
- M.A, Voucher Bike Recipient
“Our partnership with CCB has been invaluable over the past four years, and has allowed International Neighbors to meet our mission of helping aspiring Americans achieve independence. Charlottesville Community Bikes has supplied hundreds of free bicycles to both children and adult neighbors in need, allowing our clients to become more healthy and more invested in Charlottesville.”
- Kari Miller, Founder & Executive Director, International Neighbors
“Bikes are the second most requested thing by our clients. For most of our clients, this is their only means of transportation. These bikes also connect families. They let children know they are not so different. In the pictures, you will see the pure joy and pride of owning a bike. As one client puts it, "Instead of walking 30 minutes in the cold to get to work, I can get there in 10."
- Adaline Masah, Director of Outreach, International Neighbors
“In April of 2014, CCB invited the Haven to begin a voucher program for our homeless clients who were in need of a bicycle but lacked the resources to buy one for themselves. Since then, we have been sending clients to them every month, and the good folks at CCB have taken time with each client to select an appropriately-sized bike and equip him or her with a helmet, lights for the front and back of the bike, and a bike lock, all at no cost to the client. It has been a wonderful partnership, and we are deeply grateful to them. Throughout our 7 years of collaborating with CCB, they have proved over and over their commitment to providing bikes and support to under-resourced members of our community.”
- Owen Brennan, Director of Operations, The Haven
“Region Ten depends on CCB's Voucher Program to support individuals with mental health and substance use concerns to get back on their feet and improve their overall mental health by providing opportunities for physical exercise. It has also helped the people we serve to increase their autonomy by being able to get to work and various appointments, particularly since the bus system in Charlottesville is not always reliable…having regular access to a bicycle through CCB has helped to increase the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable in our local community.”
- Joanna Jennings, Community Relations Coordinator, Region Ten
“At On Our Own of Charlottesville, we work with many people who have very limited resources, financially or otherwise. Community Bikes has helped multiple members secure bicycles. They are wonderful to work with. Multiple members with no access to transportation now have bicycles, one of which was so excited that they texted me a photo of their snazzy purple bicycle. The exercise also helps with their mental health and physical fitness.”
- Jorie Barna, Interim Executive Director, On Our Own of Charlottesville
