Economic Empowerment Key to Aiding Domestic Violence Victims

By Jacqueline Molik Ghosen

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- One of the greatest challenges victims of domestic violence face when they decide to leave their abusers is finding the financial resources to start a new life. That’s why The Allstate Foundation and the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership will co-sponsor a workshop on teaching economic empowerment skills.

The workshop aims to provide social service practitioners with strategies to help domestic violence victims understand their financial circumstances and develop plans to accomplish their goals. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 22 at the Center for Tomorrow on UB’s North Campus.

Anzala B. Alozie, J.D., of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, will present “Moving Ahead Through Financial Management,” an economic empowerment curriculum developed by the Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program.

Nearly 70 participants from area organizations are expected to attend.

“Victims of domestic violence need targeted tools and strategies to help them become financially stable and plan for safe, secure futures,” said Kelly Costanza, Allstate Foundation Representative. “However, there is a significant gap in resources for programs designed to assist survivors. The Allstate Foundation provides comprehensive programming and resources to energize, empower and equip survivors with the resources, knowledge and skills they need to achieve economic empowerment.

The initiative is supported by The Allstate Foundation, which provides philanthropic grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs fit within specified criteria of Economics Against Abuse and Teen Driving.

The program also is supported by the Allstate Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs Domestic Violence Advisory Board, which includes representatives from Child and Family Services, the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence, the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, the Family Justice Center, Haven House, the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the UB Law School’s Women, Children and Social Justice Clinic and the United Way’s C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Coalition.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion and diversity"; and "economic empowerment." The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream.

The Wall Street Journal has ranked the UB School of Management No. 9 in the nation among schools with strong regional recruiting bases. In addition, BusinessWeek has ranked the school as one of the country's top 5 business schools for the fastest return on MBA investment, and Forbes cited it as one of the best business schools in the U.S. for the return on investment it provides MBA graduates.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system that is its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.