Many survivors work hard to balance healing, employment, and financial goals every day. They face unique challenges while trying to create a sense of stability and independence. This guide offers straightforward information about useful tools and available support, making the process less overwhelming. Throughout, you will discover practical resources, honest notes about who can use them, and easy-to-follow instructions for taking action. By breaking down each option into manageable steps, this guide aims to make financial progress feel more achievable, no matter where you are starting. Find encouragement and clarity as you explore each helpful resource on your path forward.

Resource #1: Wings Financial Budget App

  • What it is: A free app designed for budgeting, expense tracking, and saving.
  • Who offers it: The non-profit organization Wings for Women partners with tech experts to maintain the tool.
  • Eligibility: Anyone looking for domestic-abuse-friendly options, no credit requirement.
  • Benefits: Real-time alerts, custom saving goals, and a private “safety mode” that hides financial records.
  • How to access: Download from major app stores, register with an email or phone number.

The app updates balances automatically when you connect checking or savings accounts. It shows spending categories and suggests small adjustments that add up fast. Many users share that the “safety mode” gives them peace of mind if an abuser checks their phone.

Wings Financial also offers live chat support in the app. You can ask questions about budgeting or report suspicious activity securely. That feature makes it feel like a personal guide right on your screen.

Resource #2: SurvivorFare Meal Voucher Program

SurvivorFare issues meal vouchers to low-income households coping with domestic violence. The non-profit distributes monthly e-vouchers worth $100 that work at most chain grocery stores. Participants submit proof of household income and residency, then receive an email code they can spend within two weeks.

This program eases one major cost stress: food. Covering groceries frees up funds for bills, therapy, or savings. Many participants describe a boost in confidence when they see their grocery list grow without financial worry.

Resource #3: SafeStart Grant for Small Businesses

  1. What it is: A microgrant program offering up to $2,500 for business startups.
  2. Who offers it: The SafeStart Foundation, funded by community donors and local businesses.
  3. Eligibility criteria: Applicants need a basic business plan and proof of survivor status (certificate from a trusted non-profit, shelter letter).
  4. Benefits: Funds can cover equipment, initial stock, or marketing materials. Winners also get mentorship from volunteer business owners.
  5. How to apply: Visit the SafeStart website, complete a simple form, and upload documents. The foundation reviews applications in 30 days.

This grant stands out because mentors stay involved for six months. Each winner pairs with an experienced small-business owner who offers monthly video calls. Learners follow action steps like setting sales goals and tracking expenses from day one.

Alumni often team up to share marketing tips or craft joint promotions. That sense of community helps each micro-business grow faster than going it alone.

Resource #4: EarnHer Online Financial Workshops

EarnHer hosts a series of self-paced video workshops covering credit repair, basic investing, and negotiation tactics. Each module runs about 15 minutes and includes a worksheet you can fill in by hand or on-screen.

After creating an account on the EarnHer platform, you gain access to a library of 20 lessons. The program welcomes beginners, defining terms like APR, equity, and compound interest in plain language. Certificates issued at completion can boost resumes or LinkedIn profiles.

Resource #5: Community Credit Circle at Neighborhood Credit Union

Neighborhood Credit Union sets up small group meetings each month for members who want to improve credit scores. Circles of 5 to 8 people meet either in-person or via video conference. A trained volunteer leads a discussion on a specific topic — like dispute letters or debt snowball methods — then each person sets a personal goal for the next meeting.

Members pay a $5 meeting fee that goes into a shared savings pool. That pool serves as an emergency fund that any member can borrow from at 0% interest. Participants report faster credit score gains because they get accountability plus a financial safety net.

Resource #6 & #7: SheRise Mentorship Network & Bloom Microloan Fund

SheRise connects survivors with professional mentors in fields such as finance, marketing, and human resources. You fill out a profile highlighting skills you want to develop. The program pairs you with a mentor who checks in weekly via phone or video chat. That one-on-one time helps you refine a resume, practice interview answers, or explore career shifts.

Bloom Microloan Fund complements mentorship by offering loans up to $1,000 at a flat 5% rate. Eligible applicants must complete a short financial training module from EarnHer or a similar provider. Loan funds arrive within seven business days via direct deposit. Many find that a small loan makes the difference between launching a side gig and watching the idea stall.

Use these resources—such as BudgetPro, MealSupport, and MentorConnect—to build your confidence and skills. Each step offers support and guidance along your journey.