MONEY SCHOOL RETURNS
Workshops to be offered in Pittsfield and Great Barrington
PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts: Elizabeth Freeman Center’s financial independence series for people impacted by domestic or sexual violence will offer its second year of classes starting mid-March.
“Money School” is a five week series for survivors that covers topics like rebuilding credit, accessing benefits, building supports, getting by now, and action planning. It was created through a partnership between Elizabeth Freeman Center and the American Institute for Economic Research.
A $125 stipend will be offered, as well as free dinner, childcare, one-on-one financial coaches from local banks, networking with other resource providers in the community, and ongoing supports.
Many times survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are left struggling financially.
“Money School is not your typical financial education program,” said Becca Bradburd, Director of Operations at Elizabeth Freeman Center. “It recognizes that for most people, especially those who are living through or recovering from trauma, it can seem impossible to get ahead. In Money School, we provide economic advocacy, social capital, financial know-how, and ongoing support to get people where they want to be financially – whether that’s being able to go to school or have an emergency fund or rebuild credit or something else entirely.”
The first series of five workshops will run on Tuesday evenings, March 15th-April 12th, in Pittsfield. The second and third series will be held in Great Barrington and again in Pittsfield starting in late April. All workshops are 5:00-8:00pm, with food, childcare, and a stipend provided.
To register for any of the series, contact Donna at Elizabeth Freeman Center, 413.499.2425 x613 or donnal@elizabethfreemancenter.org.
Money School is made possible by strong community support, including grants from Guardian Life Insurance Company, TD Charitable Foundation, Berkshire Bank Foundation, and MountainOne, with additional in-kind support from the bankers at Greylock Federal Credit Union, TD Bank, Berkshire Bank, NBT Bank, and Lee Bank.
Elizabeth Freeman Center is the domestic and sexual violence response center for Berkshire County. Each year, it provides leadership and services to over 3,000 survivors in Berkshire County and offers violence prevention education to almost 1,000 youth in area schools.
The American Institute for Economic Research provides independent research and critical analysis of economic and financial issues. AIER researchers provide ordinary people with expert advice and insight they can use to improve their lives and communities. For more information, visit http://AIER.org.