Allstate - You're in good hands

08/14/2006 NORTHBROOK, Ill. -

Domestic violence survivors across the country have access to a new resource to help them begin or continue education and job training opportunities, thanks to a recent grant provided by The Allstate Foundation. The Education and Job Training Assistance Fund provides financial aid to survivors of domestic violence. Individual grants of up to $1,000 each are awarded to offset the cost of tuition, school supplies, books, public transportation and other expenses that allow survivors to finish school, secure and keep a job, and support their families. The fund is managed by The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program and the National Network to End Domestic Violence Fund (NNEDV Fund).

"Access to a livable wage job is a substantial barrier for many domestic violence survivors when they try to leave abusive relationships," said Patti Seger, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, who applied for ¿ and received ¿ funds on behalf of survivors in her state. "This much-needed financial assistance has opened new doors for survivors. With this fund, The Allstate Foundation has taken the next step. The fund goes beyond providing emergency assistance services ¿ and helps survivors move toward economic self-sufficiency."

The Education and Job Training Assistance Fund supports career-advancement activities such as professional licenses, workforce tools and additional job training. Domestic violence service providers can apply for grants on behalf of survivors. The NNEDV Fund will provide a quick response to each request.

To date, the fund has supported survivors' career pursuits by providing:

• financial support for vocational education and a four-year university;
• assistance in obtaining certification as a crisis therapist, nursing assistant and re-certification as a registered nurse; and
• grants to purchase a computer, school books and supplies.

"Many survivors have soaring medical bills, significant debt, and often have limited resources due to forced absence from work," said Sue Else, president of the NNEDV Fund. "This fund helps alleviate many of the economic challenges they face. It allows them to pursue education and job-training and provides support to help them move toward economic independence."

The Education and Job Training Assistance Fund is part of The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program, which partners with the NNEDV Fund and its network of domestic violence coalitions to address survivors' financial concerns. Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation and Allstate Insurance Company have provided more than $1.5 million in grants to domestic violence organizations around the country.

"Domestic violence survivors have unique economic challenges and needs," said Angela Cobb, program manager, The Allstate Foundation. "The Education and Job Training Assistance Fund can help them build skills to achieve long-term financial security."

The Allstate Foundation committed $75,000 to the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund. To raise awareness about the economic challenges survivors face, the Foundation created an Internet-based campaign. For every unique visitor to http://www.allstatefoundationdomesticviolenceprogram.org, The Allstate Foundation donated $1 to the fund. It plans to contribute an additional $75,000 to the fund later this year, with additional funding in subsequent years.

In addition to the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund, The Allstate Foundation's Domestic Violence Program provides a comprehensive network of services for domestic violence survivors and advocates, including:

• Direct services: Providing programming and funding support through a financial empowerment curriculum and training materials; community volunteerism by Allstate employees, agents and agency staff; and grants to allow service providers to address the a range of survivors' needs.
• Thought leadership: Supporting domestic violence advocates and service providers through national conferences, other events and research.
• Public awareness: Creating a national effort to raise public awareness and change societal attitudes about domestic violence.

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity"; and "economic empowerment." The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream. For additional information, visit www.allstate.com/foundation.

About the National Network to End Domestic Violence Fund
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Fund is a 501©(3) tax-exempt social change organization representing state domestic violence coalitions. The NNEDV Fund is dedicated to creating a social, political, and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. The NNEDV Fund accomplishes these goals through capacity building for coalitions, public education, training, and technical assistance to maintain and develop the professional expertise of advocates. The NNEDV Fund strives to strengthen advocates as organizers and activists in the tradition of social change movements. For more information about the NNEDV Fund, visit www.nnedv.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rebecca Hirsch, Allstate Media Relations, (847) 402-5600 e-mail this page