Financial Literacy Program
Financial Literacy Program
Why Financial Literacy?
Financial abuse is a tactic used by abusers to exert control. It involves manipulating financial resources, restricting access to money, and sabotaging economic independence to make survivors dependent and vulnerable. Abusers may withhold funds, prevent employment, or coerce survivors into relinquishing financial assets. This form of abuse not only obstructs survivors’ ability to seek safety but also impedes their long-term financial well-being, making it a significant barrier to achieving self-sufficiency.
Here at the Domestic Violence Resource Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to survivors on their journey toward stability. We believe in addressing the unique economic challenges each survivor faces and equipping them with the necessary skills to achieve independence.
From "Striving" to "Thriving"
Through our Financial Literacy Program, we break down barriers to financial independence and create pathways for survivors to rebuild their lives. Our dedicated financial literacy coach, MaryAlice Short, offers clients personalized guidance on budgeting, saving, credit enhancement, debt management, and more:
- One-on-one sessions with DVRC clients
- Group financial literacy classes with current shelter residents
- Financial Literacy group meetings open to the community held twice a month
In addition to education, we provide resources in partnership with the community to help our clients achieve their next milestone:
- Rent-to-Own Laptop program: Allows residential clients to purchase new laptops from us to pay off over time instead of a lump sum all at once. Most clients use this program to pursue their passions or continue their education.
- In-House Microloan program: Provides residential clients with the opportunity for larger purchases such tires for a vehicle to ensure safe transportation. In addition, many clients come to us with high-interest payday loans. They can save hundreds of dollars in interest charges by gaining immediate access to emergency funds to pay off any loans.
- Homeownership: Partnerships with Keller Williams Group One and Summit Funding, Inc. make client homeownership a reality with expert support around the home-buying process.
- Continuing Education: DVRC works with local career-building organizations to help clients find and attain more than just a job but a career that is fulfilling and provides long-term stability.
Over the last five years, we have helped our clients set aside $366,000 in savings, pay off $122,000 of debt, and increase credit scores by an average of 20%.
Everything is Possible
Since 2022, three of our clients have achieved homeownership. Many others have successfully transitioned into market-rate housing.
Each time a client takes this monumental step towards independence, we proudly hang a key on the wall of our office as a symbol of their resilience and our unwavering commitment to empowerment.
What Our Clients Say
“I recently was able to participate in the laptop program through the DVRC. I am 44 years old and have never been able to follow through with payment plans to purchase anything. I just paid off my laptop and I have to say it made me feel so good inside. The program is set up at an affordable rate and I was able to successfully pay off my laptop. This program has enabled me to go back to school and is helping me to accomplish my goals. I want to say thank you for the opportunity to participate in the laptop program.”
– C., 2023
“When I need help and support from MaryAlice, she has been a very important person in my life these last two years, with her I have virtual meetings every two weeks, she has helped me a lot, she gives me a lot of motivation. Thanks to her words of encouragement, I was able to pass my written driving test. And I already got my driver’s license. She is also helping me to fix my credit and to pay my debts, right now we are applying so that in a short time we can buy our own house.”
– J., 2022
“Financial coaching with MaryAlice provided me the confidence and tools to manage my life and finances independently. With her guidance, I have been able to pay off huge amounts of debt, start several savings accounts, revive my credit score, and begin building a healthy life for myself and my daughter.”
– L., 2020-2021
“MaryAlice will help you figure out all what you need to do and what you need to pay off to get your life back on track. She will also remind you that you can do this and you don’t need to depend on anyone to live the life you deserve.”
– D., 2020-2021
“OMG! MaryAlice is the best person to work with for pulling yourself out of a credit hole. Since working with her, my credit has gone up over a 100 points, I have pulled myself out of debt, and have a great understanding of how credit scores work. If you just stop and take her suggestions, you will live a much easier stress-free life!”
– M., 2019-2021
