At Family Services of Tulare County, Economic Workshops Make Connections for Survivors

By Erica Tootle
Family Services of Tulare County 

Gaining power and control over an intimate partner is at the core of domestic violence, and abusers often employ financial abuse tactics to entrap a victim in the relationship.  With support from the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and the Allstate Foundation’s Building Opportunities for Survivors’ Success (B.O.S.S.) program, Family Services of Tulare County has implemented an economic empowerment program with residents at its Karen’s House emergency domestic violence shelter and its Supportive Housing program.

Each client enrolled in the program works through the Allstate Foundation curriculum modules with her case manager, who provides support, assists with personal and professional goal-setting, and helps the client apply what she learns in each module to her own unique situation. 

Jana*, a Karen’s House resident, had endured one form or another of domestic violence throughout most of her life. But had never heard of financial abuse, and didn’t know she had experienced it until she entered the program.  She enthusiastically worked through the entire curriculum, attended every workshop, took steps to begin repairing her credit, and opened a checking account with the financial institution that provided the Banking Basics workshop.  Even though she was excelling in the program and taking advantage of the opportunities it presented, Jana was discouraged when she had two job interviews and wasn’t hired for either position.

Family Services Case Manager Rebecca Peter goes over the Allstate Foundation curriculum with Jana. 

To further support survivors in their journey toward financial independence, Family Services staff has organized an ongoing series of financial empowerment workshops.   Community volunteers who are experts in their fields lead the collaborative training sessions.  Workshop topics have included: Creating a Family Budget, Banking Basics, Credit, Accessing Affordable Housing, Writing a Resume, Mock Interviews, Makeup Application for Professional Settings, and Dress for Success. 

“The workshops reinforce what clients are learning with the Allstate financial empowerment curriculum, and help them build networks in the community,” said Alma Borja, Domestic Violence Program Manager at Family Services.  “Not all of our participating clients have secured employment, but they are all gaining awareness of things they can do to take control of their finances.  When they are ready to take that step, they will have the knowledge and resources they need.” 

When Jana attended the recent Dress for Success workshop, she left with a nice blazer that had been donated.  She went to a local thrift shop and, using what she’d learned in the workshop, completed her professional outfit for a total of $3.  When Jana returned to the shelter after her shopping success, her demeanor had changed—she had found hope again.   

“Because of everything I learned in Dress for Success, I feel like a million bucks,” Jana said. 

A few days later, Jana had another job interview.  She left for the interview looking professional and feeling confident.  Thanks to the B.O.S.S. program, Jana got the job and is on her way to financial independence for herself and her family.  

*This is a pseudonym.

 

 

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