economic empowerment tools

Economic independence and security are critical to the safety and well-being of survivors, as such, many victim service agencies seek to develop programming that can empower survivors economically. According to the Office of Victims of Crime Human Trafficking Task Force, economic empowerment is defined as assisting marginalized groups such as hum an trafficking survivors with obtaining “access to a reasonable and sustainable standard of living” by “strengthening skills, resources and confidence to financially support themselves and their families in the short- and long-term.”

These tools offer guidance on the essential elements of economic empowerment that are needed to facilitate access to well-rounded workforce development opportunities for survivors of human trafficking.

Five Tiers of Economic Empowerment
This new guide illustrates five critical elements of economic empowerment programming that are needed to facilitate access to well-rounded workforce development opportunities for survivors of human trafficking.

Guiding Principles to Inform Economic Empowerment Programing for Survivors of Human Trafficking
This resource provides a brief overview of economic empowerment programs – including financial literacy and capability programs, employment support services, and assist building programs – and outlines promising practices for fostering greater economic empowerment and security for survivors.

Economic Empowerment Needs Assessment Tool
This planning tool can help victim service agencies identify what services they currently provide and what opportunities exist within the community to develop services for the economic and financial security of survivors.

Pathway to Freedom: How Twelve Organizations are Driving Economic Empowerment through Survivor Entrepreneurship
This new report from Restore NYC outlines a set of best practices for programs that seek to promote entrepreneurship for survivors of trafficking, and individuals with intersecting vulnerabilities.

Supporting the Education and Employment Needs of Survivors with Criminal Records
This new tool, developed in partnership with Freedom Network’s Survivor Reentry Project, offers strategies advocates can explore to help address the obstacles criminal records present to employment opportunities.

Helping Survivors Navigate Online Education and Training Opportunities
This 10-point guide walks through some basic questions to consider when evaluating online training courses and determining which program best meets the needs of job seekers.

Collaboration to Increase Access to Employment Opportunities for Survivors of Human Trafficking and Domestic and Sexual Violence
This toolkit contains advocacy considerations, collaboration strategies and resources that advocacy programs can utilize to support HT survivors’ self sufficiency.

Supporting Advocate Resilience: Resource List
This resource list includes tools advocates can use to support their own wellness while facing the challenges of economic justice work.

Career Empowerment Curricula

• Project ACCESS (Advancing Career Counseling and Employment Support for Survivors)
• Navigate Your Career Curriculum
• Economic Action Program (REAP)

Model Programs

• Sanctuary for Families’ Economic Empowement Program