A Word From Mark

Dear Radiant Futures Friends,

Did you know that in 2003 the United States Senate passed a resolution officially designating April as Financial Literacy Month? And then in 2017, President Obama made a proclamation in highlighting the importance of being financially capable and declaring the month of April as National Financial Capability Month.

So why is this month so important to the work we do here at Radiant Futures?

Because financial abuse impacts survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Financial abuse is why survivors decide to stay in unhealthy relationships because the fear of becoming unhoused is greater than the abuse they are enduring.

Survivors that have faced financial abuse and manipulation, are left without the knowledge or resources to build financial stability and independence. Their credit scores have been obliterated making them a high risk investment for banks and landlords.

Our financial literacy program, led by our partner Pacific Premier Bank, is designed to address the abuse survivors have faced and equip them with the skills they need to take control of their finances and achieve their goals, paving the way for a brighter and more secure future.

Together, we can create a world where every survivor has the resources and support they need to thrive.

In Appreciation,

Mark

Read More From Mark

Financial Literacy Opens Doors and Changes Lives

Yuliana entered Radiant Futures over a year ago. At the time, she was unaware of the toll her partner's financial abuse had played on her staying in the abuse cycle. Yuliana's children were not with her and she was struggling with a below 400 credit score.

Yuliana had four goals she was determined to complete, 1) Get a job; 2) Take care of her credit; 3) Get her children back, and 4) Find a place for her family to live.

Yuliana began attending Radiant Futures' Life Skills class that focuses on financial literacy led by our partner Pacific Premier Bank (PPB). It was important for Yuliana to work on her credit scores and start working on her credit health.

Creating the Path to Financial Freedom

Financial Literacy, Changing the Game for Survivors

Did you know that financial literacy can be a game-changer for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking? It's true! By gaining knowledge and skills in budgeting, credit health, and other financial topics, survivors can take control of their finances and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In fact, financial abuse is all too common in these situations, with 99% of domestic violence survivors experiencing it, and 63% of human trafficking survivors reporting that their traffickers used financial abuse as a means of control. But we're here to say that survivors can beat the odds with the right tools and support!