Empowering Families in Difficult Times: The Women's Economic Stability Initiative

The Women's Economic Stability Initiative developed and evaluated a new model to help low-income, single women with children make progress toward economic stability through vocational training/educational attainment (particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men), financial assistance for reliable childcare, transportation, and housing, and life coaching/case management using an empowerment approach. During the first 3 years of the initiative, participants made progress in attaining academic degrees, maintaining employment, experiencing modest increases in income, some success in building assets, and paying down/eliminating credit card debt. The initiative provided the support needed to help women gain greater stability for themselves and their children.