Upcoming Trainings & Advocate Support

 
“A huge part of getting out of the cycle of abuse is empowerment, and giving survivors access to being self-sufficient through job growth and learning. Had I had someone that really understood [that], it would have helped steer me in the right direction. And I wouldn’t have to figure it out on my own.”
— Survivor, JWI 2021 National Needs Assessment
 

Life$avings for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

In 99% of all instances of intimate partner violence, survivors are left with “little to no income, no access to cash or bank accounts, fraudulent and/or coerced debt in their name, and damaged financial profiles.” (FreeFrom, Survivors Know Best).

According to JWI’s 2021 National Needs Assessment, 98% of survivors of domestic abuse reported lack of financial resources as their top barrier to escaping violence. 

This is why we developed Life$avings: Financial Empowerment for Survivors of Domestic Abuse, a financial literacy program that equips survivors with the knowledge, practical skills and support needed to ensure their long-term financial security.

Survivors who complete this curriculum will dig into the emotional aspects of money management, gain the confidence to create a budget, understand how to improve their credit and pay down debt, and begin working toward their personal financial goals.

Life$avings FAQs:

What does the Life$avings program include?

  • Six survivor-centered workshops, including power-points, animated videos, and meditations covering:

    • Budgeting

    • Understanding and raising your credit score

    • Financial independence and banking basics

    • Creating a healthy relationship with money

    • Kids, parenting, and money

    • A session for those who work with Orthodox Jewish survivors

  • Interactive prompts and opportunities for survivors to share and support one another

  • A comprehensive money journal for each client, filled with personal reflections and educational content

  • Step-by-step facilitator guides for advocates

  • Ongoing, virtual office hours and support from JWI staff

  • Materials offered in English and Spanish

Who is Life$avings for?

  • The Life$avings curriculum can be offered to any survivor of domestic violence. 

  • The Life$avings Train-the-Trainer sessions are for advocates working in the domestic abuse prevention and response fields. 

This curriculum is designed to meet the needs of your clients and can be used in various settings, for example:

  • Create cohort-style programs with 5 to 6 workshops

  • Host workshops your clients can attend when able

  • Integrate into existing 1-on-1 coaching sessions with a case manager, educator, financial advisor, employment services staff, peer support specialist, mental health counselor, or other advocate

  • Provide clients with the Money Journal for them to use individually on their own time

How can my clients gain access to the Life$avings curriculum?

  • Attend one of our bootcamp trainings to access all the materials and learn how to deliver this program to your clients. All of this is free of charge.