Abusers often use financial or economic abuse to maintain control.

An abuser may prevent survivors from getting a job, force them to quit their job, harass them at work, or withhold or restrict use of finances.  

“Nearly every person we serve has also suffered financial abuse,” says Diane Fleet, associate director. “Removing just a few barriers can make all the difference.” 

Wraparound Support 

When a survivor comes to the emergency shelter, advocates help them work toward both immediate safety and long-term stability. 

Advocates assist survivors with applications for public benefits and also connect them with community support systems, like Jubilee Jobs, the Goodwill Opportunity Center, and Kentucky Career Center to assist in their job search.  

These partnerships help with creating and editing resumes, practicing interview skills, familiarizing them with second-chance employers, and expungement clinics when needed. 

Residents may choose to participate in a six-week project that provides a stipend for their contributions to the farm and day-to-day operations. This offers survivors the chance to establish recent work experience in a caring and supportive environment, while earning income to remove barriers.  

Our executive director serves on the Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board to advocate for survivor opportunities and provide guidance and oversight under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for the Bluegrass area. 

Removing Barriers 

Transportation and childcare are common barriers faced when re-establishing work after fleeing abuse. 

Youth advocates assist parents and children while living at the shelter by connecting them with low-cost or free childcare services in the community, like those provided by The Nest. 

For transportation, survivors have access to our daily shuttles, ridesharing services, and bus passes to help them get to interviews, appointments, and work. If they own a car that needs repairs, we can often help with those costs, too. 

We also maintain on-site clothing and funds to assist with interview attire, work uniforms, and other job-related costs. 

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash