Money School is a financial literacy education program designed to address the particular economic challenges faced by domestic and sexual violence (DV/SV) survivors that result from the short- and long-term effects of abuse. It was developed by The American Institute for Economic Research and Elizabeth Freeman Center with extensive advice and input from regional and local experts and survivors, and focuses on long-term impact, coupling an innovative curriculum with ongoing economic advocacy, support, and resources. The program is receiving this year’s Innovation Award from the MA Office for Victim Assistance.
The Money School curriculum covers recovering from economic abuse, goal setting, networks, assets, income maximization, interest rates, saving for the present, saving for the future, assessing debt, interpreting your credit score, repairing credit, tracking income and expenses, action planning, budgeting, education, employment, entrepreneurship, and much more. EFC will match participants with financial coaches from local banks for one-on-one coaching and support around credit, banking, and budgeting. EFC will connect participants with staff from local educational institutions, employment resources, legal aid and benefits agencies, and entrepreneurship centers. EFC will include a robust impact evaluation component that drives improvements and ensures effectiveness.
