Financial Literacy Pilot Project

Why we created this project

Women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) often face unique financial challenges and barriers that traditional financial literacy programs seldom address. Interval House has developed an innovative solution to address this gap: our new BESS Financial Literacy Pilot Project.

Financial abuse is one of the most common reasons that women stay in, or return to, their abusive relationships. Poor financial literacy can compound the effect of their abusive situations and make it difficult to become economically self-sufficient.

The Financial Literacy Pilot Project scales up our existing Building Economic Self-Sufficiency (BESS) program, empowering participants to learn financial management skills. Want to learn more about our BESS program? Want to learn more about our BESS program? Explore BESS on our website.

About the Financial Literacy Pilot Project

The Financial Literacy Pilot Project provides financial literacy knowledge and hands-on, skills-based activities to select BESS program participants.

Participants attend monthly financial workshops which cover a variety of helpful topics, including budgeting, credit counselling, tax clinics, and saving. Additionally, we provide a safe space for participants to connect and share insights through peer-support circles.

To round out their learning experience, participants develop a personalized work plan that caters to their unique financial needs and areas for growth with the guidance of our Financial Empowerment Specialist. Participants regularly review their progress in achieving their financial literacy goals through these one-on-one financial coaching sessions.

Research has shown that financial literacy education is most effective when it can be immediately applied. The pilot allows participants to obtain and retain financial knowledge, skills, and confidence by providing a $1000 Participant Learning Tool to use to help accomplish their financial goals.

Our Goals

The pilot empowers survivors of intimate partner violence with the skills, knowledge and increased self-confidence to navigate their day-to-day financial challenges. It aims to advance their skills in financial management and decision-making, equipping them with the tools they need to make informed choices about their financial future.