The Allstate Foundation Helps Make Financial Freedom a Reality for Domestic Violence Survivors in 10 states

NORTHBROOK, IL, January 21, 2011 (Press-News.org) 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 partnership between The Allstate Foundation and 10 state coalitions will help make that choice a little easier. The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program awarded more than $575,000 in funding to support economic empowerment strategies for domestic violence survivors in communities across the country.

"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 make financial security a reality for many 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.

Grant funding will allocated to organizations in ten states, including:
The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc. $50,000
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence $50,000
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc $74,000
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence Inc $54,500
Kentucky Domestic Violence Association Inc $90,000
Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence $25,000
Ohio Domestic Violence Network $59,000
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence $50,000
Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence $54,000
Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence $70,000

The competitive grant program launched earlier this year, calling for applications from local organizations through a partnership with state coalitions and the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Each state coalition selected will sub-grant funds to at least two local programs that support collaborative economic justice efforts. Grant applications were evaluated for their ability to provide financial education, job readiness and training, building match savings programs and establishing micro-loans for small businesses or to improve credit.

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 http://www.ClickToEmpower.org.

Contact: Meghann Dowd
(847) 402-5600