What kind of impact is The Allstate Foundation’s Economics Against Abuse Program making in our communities?
The Allstate Foundation’s commitment to help victims of domestic violence through the impact of the workplace has reached further in partnership with us – to engaging employers and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in working together better to help. They have partnered with us on the S2 – Safer, Smarter Workplace Conference – the first ever national conference bringing together employers and EAPs to leverage their best efforts around domestic violence for maximum assistance to victims and their families. The benefits of the research and “promising practices” coming from this conference are designed to improve responses and create a “Blueprint for Change.” And none of this would be possible without the partnership, support, and leadership of The Allstate Foundation
Kim Wells, Executive Director of Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence
NNEDV and The Allstate Foundation are working to secure financial security and stable futures for victims of domestic violence and their children. The Foundation’s groundbreaking economic empowerment work includes developing a Moving Ahead Through Financial Management curriculum, which is used by domestic violence advocates across the country in helping victims recover from financial abuse. The Foundation has also provided nearly $1 million in direct assistance grants to survivors of domestic violence through its Education and Job Training Fund.
Allstate is currently the only national funder that supports economic empowerment work specifically for victims of domestic violence. Their leadership and commitment has enabled domestic violence programs around the country to implement critical economic empowerment work in their communities. To further increase its impact, Allstate encourages its employees and Personal Financial Representatives to volunteer at a local domestic violence program and offer their financial expertise to victims in need.
Sue Else, President of The National Network to End Domestic Violence
It is through grass roots efforts such as this recent local event which will result in awareness among the community that no community is insulated from the problem of domestic violence. Having been directly involved in the project improved my own personal awareness and concern… It is an honor to me, my staff, my fellow Allstaters, and my community that our company chose my hometown to voice our concern, and give our support for the security of our own neighbors.
Ed Heary Sr., New York Allstate Agent
What are domestic violence leaders saying about the need for economic justice?
Access to and knowledge of financial resources empowers women to understand and gain control of her economic situation.
Tiffany Carr, Executive Director of Florida Coalition
Perpetrators often use economic abuse as a means to control their partners. Achieving financial security is essential for victim’s safety. Efforts have often focused on achieving safety by removing the threat of violence through legislative, policy, and program initiatives intended to provide safety for victims and accountability for batterers. Without providing assistance to women for long-term financial stability, victims remain at greater risk for continued violence.
Sandy Barnett, Executive Director of Kansas Coalition
Lack of resources to provide for economic needs of survivors in their communities is a continuing problem in Michigan with our lagging economy and job markets. Exacerbating this problem is a profound lack of domestic violence services in Detroit, which MCADSV has identified as one of Michigan’s most critically underserved communities.
Mary Keefe, Executive Director of Michigan Coalition
Survivors often return to abusive relationships because they can’t support themselves and their children. They face the untenable choice of returning to violence or going without food, housing, and transportation. The former may seem safer than facing a life of grinding poverty.
Sarah Lynn Rosenthal, Executive Director of New Mexico Coalition
During the past year, the dire economic situation has promulgated economic self-sufficiency issues to the top of the priority list of the issues facing our clients.
Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of Rhode Island Coalition
Many survivors are eager to begin planning their future, assessing their resourcing and beginning the task of regaining economic stability and independence, but more support is needed to help them gain tools for long term financial stability. Survivors require resources to purchase a permanent home for their family, start or expand a small business, or acquire a post-secondary education that will enable them to engage in a successful and sustainable career.
Sheryl Cates, Executive Director of Texas Coalition