Economic Freedom

In line with best practices for domestic violence survivors and people experiencing homelessness, EN’s evidence-based program supports housing solutions and employment paths that focus on the individual’s unique needs and plans. The logic of EN’s innovative program extends beyond the basic need for a job and housing by building the credit and income to overcome housing barriers long-term and making an immediate transition from minimum-wage to steady-wage employment while—in many cases—pursuing education/vocation opportunities with a career path.

In addition to economic empowerment, EN’s trauma-informed advocacy confronts additional societal barriers by developing life skills that foster confidence, motivation, financial wellness, and a proactive solution approach rooted in clear plans of action. EN’s innovative program leans into existing services to eliminate overlapping resources while putting each survivor in the driver’s seat, often for the first time. It is true empowerment, with tactical funding and personalized guidance. The model removes societal barriers that would be impossible or take years to surmount without support.

Empowerment Plan Model
EN’s local, trauma-informed advocates collaborate with nominees on an “Empowerment Plan” spanning 12 to 18 months. While each plan is unique, the goal is always the same: achieve fiscal independence through housing solutions, financing education, providing advocacy, and establishing a career path. When members graduate from the program, they are ready to tackle future barriers independently. By securing stable housing and livable wages, survivors are also significantly better positioned to protect their children from trafficking. In this way, EN functions as a primary prevention program for at-risk youth.

EN’s collaborative, impact-focused approach provides “beyond the crisis” support to enable long-term, sustainable outcomes that end exploitation cycles for the individual, their family, and their community.