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Financial Literacy As A Tool To End Domestic Violence

In addition to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April was also Financial Literacy Month. In honor of that, we want to share how improved financial literacy and economic stability can help victims find safety from an abusive relationship.

Research shows financial stability as the leading indicator of whether a victim will be able to get and stay safe from an abuse so it’s imperative to help domestic violence survivors with their finances.

Shelter House offers classes periodically at the residential shelter and throughout the community using a curriculum developed by All State called “Moving Ahead Through Financial Management”. The curriculum utilizes modules to increase understanding of financial abuse and how to counteract or address its effects.  Topics include budgeting, insurance, identity theft, credit , banking, taxes, and resume building.

Next community class will be May 25, 2019 from 9am-11am at location TBD. For more info on it contact Ana @ 850-243-1201.

The May community class will focus on tips for purchasing a car and basic car care/maintenance. Class participants will learn how to protect their investment by becoming familiar with basic car maintenance taught by a licensed mechanic.



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Aimee Shaffer, our 2018 SpokesPURSEn of the Year

Aimee Shaffer, our 2018-2019 Purses with a Purpose SpokesPURSEn of the year, is a ray of sunshine in our community. When she isn’t working for her pet sitting business, Aimee’s Animal Magnetism, you will find her spreading joy and volunteering in the community by emceeing for events or attending fundraisers to support causes near and dear to her heart.

Her love of volunteering goes all the way back to her childhood where she helped her mother with various charitable organizations. Her mother was a shining example of using your time, heart, and talents to help others. She was an avid volunteer who taught her daughter the importance of serving others. Sadly, her sweet mother passed away when Aimee was only 12 years old leaving her heartbroken and alone. Through volunteering, she is able to live out her God-given talents and preserve her mother’s legacy.

Aimee endured a lot of hardship and struggle in her life. She is a survivor of repeated domestic violence and came out of the horrible trauma with the help of good friends. There wasn’t a safe place for victims to go and seek help back then. Victims were made to feel ashamed and encouraged to be silent. Aimee is very passionate about the mission at Shelter House and volunteers her time to pay it forward to others. She believes everyone deserves to feel safe, be heard, and receive the help they need. Aimee became the 2018 SpokesPURSEn by raising the most money during Shelter House’s signature event, Purses with a Purpose. She was also inducted into the Okaloosa County Women’s Wall of Honor in 2010 and in 2014 was awarded Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame for volunteering. She has been one of the best things to happen to our community.