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WHO:
Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray enlisted the help of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN), which is a
statewide coalition of domestic violence programs, supportive agencies, and concerned individuals. ODVN
obtained a $12,600 grant from Verizon Wireless to develop and provide materials for this program.
Treasurer
Cordray’s office is working in cooperation with ODVN to identify domestic violence shelters around Ohio
where the Financial Freedom NOW workshops can be presented. Workshop presenters will include
Consumer Credit Counseling Service; Fifth Third Bank; Ohio State Legal Services Association; Southeastern
Ohio Legal Services; Legal Aid Societies of Columbus, Cleveland, Marion, and Toledo; and Belmont,
Columbus, Cuyahoga, Lucas and Marion Metropolitan Housing Authorities.
WHAT:
An initiative aimed at increasing the financial literacy, awareness, and stability of domestic violence survivors
around Ohio. Financial Freedom NOW will include the presentation of workshops directly to women in the
care of domestic violence shelters in Ohio. These workshops will help victims to assess their financial
situations, identify their challenges to stable money management, build an action plan of ‘next steps’,
organize their financial documents and records, find additional local resources to help them reach their goals,
and understand the financial components of legal and housing needs. Participants will also receive
encouragement from domestic violence survivors who have navigated through similar financial challenges.
An additional component of the program will involve the Ohio Treasury’s participation in the Verizon Wireless
HopeLine® program. Cellular phones collected by the Ohio Treasury which have outlasted their useful lives
will be donated, to assist domestic violence survivors.
WHEN:
Financial Freedom NOW workshops will be held beginning in October, 2007. The initiative will continue in
ensuing months, with a goal to reach 500 women who are in the care of domestic violence shelters in Ohio.
WHERE:
Workshops are planned for several areas of Ohio including Columbus, Cleveland, Marion, St. Clairsville, and
Toledo, with more locations expected to be added in ensuing months. Precise locations will be kept
confidential for safety reasons.
WHY:
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s most recent focus group project, in 2003, revealed that the most
common reason why victims were reluctant to leave abusive situations was finances. 89% of the battered
women interviewed said this was the single factor which made it harder to leave. By comparison, 77% said
the biggest deterrent was the well-being of their children, and 67% said it was fear for their life or the lives of
others. Similarly, statistics compiled by the Ohio Attorney General indicate that of the tens of thousands of
domestic violence victims who received assistance in the state in 2006, 11,938 were in need of financial
assistance, versus 7,837 who required medical referrals and 4,088 who needed child care help.
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Your Money NOW 
