BISMARCK, ND—In July 2023, CAWS North Dakota announced the reception of a $36,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation aimed at supporting survivors of domestic violence and providing economic empowerment opportunities.
Over the past year, CAWS North Dakota used funds from the Allstate Foundation grant to significantly impact the lives of 24 victims of domestic violence, providing them with access to purchases or services that would have otherwise been unattainable. This included critical assistance such as paying court fines and attorney fees, credit card debt payoff, purchasing laptops, uniforms, and shoes for work, purchasing a washer and dryer, paying for eye exams, vehicle insurance, vehicle repairs, and even vehicle purchases. Furthermore, the grant covered public transportation fees and helped three victims return home to their loved ones in other states.
Financial abuse is often cited by survivors of domestic violence as the main reason that they stayed with or returned to an abusive partner (National Network to End Domestic Violence). The funds provided by the Allstate Foundation grant allowed survivors some relief from financial abuse and economic challenges. The funds also provided financial assistance for survivors to pursue opportunities to advance their education or career, ultimately furthering their financial independence.
Feedback from advocates working closely with these survivors illustrates the profound impact of the financial support provided by the grant.
One advocate expressed, “I have worked with clients who felt they had to remain in their abusive relationship due to financial constraints. Providing access to funds that empower survivors and offer additional resources for achieving economic independence is truly life-changing. Assisting my clients in gaining independence and empowering them to strive for success has been a rewarding experience.”
Another advocate shared, “Many of the survivors I work with struggle to ask for help, feeling they are too far beyond help or they put themselves in this situation. When the availability of these funds is mentioned, I have been met with tears of gratitude. This funding has proven to them that, despite life’s circumstances, there are still good people out there. These funds are priceless and have literally been a life-saver for many of these clients that come through our doors!”
Lastly, another advocate remarked, “The grant provided a sense of hope and assistance to individuals in desperate need, particularly when they felt overwhelmed by their circumstances. Knowing there was help available gave them relief and reassurance that they were not alone in their journey to rebuild their lives.”
CAWS North Dakota received the Allstate Foundation grant due to the continued collaboration between the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Allstate Foundation.
“The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has partnered with The Allstate Foundation for over 20 years, specifically addressing the intersection of domestic violence and economic justice. Their ground-breaking and long standing vision for ending intimate partner violence through supporting and expanding economic resources is one of a kind. Providing flexible, low-barrier financial support to organizations like CAWS North Dakota is having a profound impact on the lives and safety of survivors.” Stephanie Love-Patterson, NNEDV CEO & President, said. “Lack of adequate financial resources undermines a survivor’s ability to attain and maintain safety. This funding directly addresses the need and we are grateful for their continued support.”
Kayla Jones, the Domestic Violence Program Coordinator at CAWS North Dakota, further emphasized that the flexibility of the Allstate Foundation funds was particularly helpful in tailoring support based on survivors’ needs. “Flexible funding is essential when working with survivors of domestic violence,” she said. “Often, when working with federal funds, our ability to assist survivors is limited, preventing us from providing the most impactful support.”
CAWS North Dakota will receive grant funding from the Allstate Foundation for another year. The funds will be distributed to victims of domestic violence through the coalition’s member organizations based on an application process.
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CAWS North Dakota is North Dakota’s state domestic violence and sexual assault coalition. They support and present a unified voice for 19 victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials, to public awareness and legislative policy change, CAWS North Dakota works to provide communities with the best information in order to end domestic and sexual violence and prevent future violence from occurring.