Be that helping hand

Our financial assistance for clients is unique and works to meet the complex needs of our survivors with disabilities. The goal of our financial assistance is to fill gaps and support survivors with assistance that other organizations do not readily cover. We try not to duplicate financial assistance services that are available through other resources or community organizations. Some examples of financial assistance The Initiative has been able to provide are:

Transportation: Transportation among domestic violence survivors with disabilities is a significant barrier, and we are able to provide flexible transportation options for survivors. If funds are available, we can provide gas cards for some of our survivors who live in their cars.Cell phones: Cell phones are a pivotal item that allows survivors to access safety and independence. Some government-funded phones that are available for domestic violence survivors have limited minutes and limited data or individual is not eligible. When funds are available, we provide a prepaid phone with unlimited voice, text, and data for one to three months.

Housing costs: 73% of survivors we serve are homeless, therefore assisting with housing is a high priority in our advocacy. Experiencing houselessness or homelessness can be traumatic for many survivors, and it creates additional vulnerabilities to interpersonal and institutional abuse, as well as increased barriers to safety. While some organizations cover first month's rent, few organizations can cover deposits, and many will not cover other costs such as application fee. When funds are available, The Initiative can work to fill those gaps.Miscellaneous financial assistance, such as a haircut. We have worked with a client who's hair was chopped off during an abusive incident, and The Initiative paid for her to get a very nice haircut. We have also covered other costs associated with licensing for employment, such as CNA licenses and recertifications

For disability community and other marginalized community members, accessibility can mean life or death. The Initiative provides free and confidential advocacy for all forms of abuse and any disability (diagnosed or not). The direct service primarily fall within 4 categories: safety, self-sufficiency, criminal justice support, and recovery & healing. Further, these services are rooted in accessible, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed approaches to advocacy. Services are meant to meet people where they are even when it means going out to them.

The Initiative conducts some free community education to ensure that the community serving/interacting with survivors with disabilities are aware of the unique needs of this community. The focus for this program is to create a cultural and systemic shift or improvement by removing the stigma that exists around marginalized abuse survivors, as these stigmas erect those very barriers to access to services, safety, and self-sufficiency. Your financial donation will support direct service.