The Allstate Foundation Awards Grant to Vermont to Help Domestic Violence Survivors 'Move Ahead'

BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial security and access to resources is the number one predictor of whether domestic violence victims will stay or leave an abusive relationship, according to recent research. A new partnership between The Allstate Foundation and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence will make that choice a little easier. The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program will award $54,000 to the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to support economic empowerment strategies for survivors.

The financial impact for a domestic violence survivor can last for years while the survivor works to repair or build credit, build assets and secure housing, childcare and transportation. In its fifth year, the Moving Ahead Economic Empowerment Grant program provides funding in the areas of financial education, job readiness and training, match savings programs or individual development accounts (IDA) and micro-loans, helping survivors on their path to financial security.  

"Survivors need access to information and strategies that this grant program provides now more than ever to help them on their path to financial freedom," said Jennifer Kuhn, program manager for The Allstate Foundation's Domestic Violence Program. "The current economic climate demands that financial empowerment services be provided on the local level. The Allstate Foundation is proud to support these efforts and help make financial security a reality for many survivors."

The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence will use the funding for financial literacy, job readiness and job training, matched savings and micro-loans. The financial literacy program develops the knowledge and skills for advocates and provides both one-on-one and group support for survivors' emergent economic needs and subsequent plans for long-term safety and economic security.

The grant program has provided more than $575,000 to ten state domestic violence coalitions this year. As a part of The Allstate Foundation's commitment to ending domestic violence, the Moving Ahead Grant programs have provided more than $15 million in programming and direct support since their inception.

About The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program

The Allstate Foundation's Domestic Violence Program helps domestic violence survivors overcome economic challenges and lead financially independent lives, free from abuse. Through a partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the program provides a network of financial resources, including a comprehensive financial empowerment curriculum; funds direct services, including education and job training assistance; and spreads the word on how to empower those touched by domestic and economic abuse. For more information and to find out how to help, visit www.ClickToEmpower.org.

SOURCE The Allstate Foundation

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