Economic Empowerment
Economic Empowerment
| Get Help | Economic Empowerment
Creating a path to financial independence
Peaceful Paths’ Economic Empowerment Program is designed to help survivors overcome economic abuse and become financially self-sufficient. The program began in 2008 as a pilot program in Florida for addressing the unique needs of survivors through a networking of service providers, community partnerships, education, and asset building. Today, the program is well established and provides economic services to hundreds of survivors each year. The program consists of several components that continue to grow and offers a range of opportunities to survivors as they work on becoming financially independent. The program is open to any survivor of domestic violence within our service area- Alachua, Bradford and Union County.
Clients must complete an intake session before attending classes. For more information on new client intake please click here.
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Financial Literacy
Our interactive weekly seminars called LIFE (Live Independently Financially Empowered) address many aspects of finances- from understanding economic abuse, safety planning and budgeting to organizing your finances, credit issues and long term financial planning for retirement.
Job Readiness
Employment is key to establishing a solid financial plan. We connect participants with professionals to increase their employability skills- from resume writing and mock interviews to computer classes and accessing additional community resources. We continue to expand our connections with community professionals who bring unique opportunities for learning and growth to our survivors.
Individual Development Account (IDA) & Microloans
We need to remove these sections for now. We are not actively administering them but are looking to scale them up in the future. We will add back to the website before the end of FY24.
Mentoring
Our mentors are successful, independent professionals who have come forward to share their strengths, wisdom and leadership with program participants working to rebuild a safe and healthy support network within our community.
Housing
Peaceful Paths Coordinated Entry Program uses a Housing First model to assist with obtaining permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible. We work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to domestic/intimate partner violence to provide the supportive services and connections to the community needed to keep housing and avoid returning to homelessness. We provide assistance that promotes safety, respectful landlord/tenant interaction, independence, and long term housing stability.
