Laura’s Story: Talking About Economic Empowerment at the YMCA
[June 8, 2018] – Laura is a regular at her local YMCA (the Y), so she knew it would be a safe and welcoming place to share her knowledge and experience with gym-goers. Last week, instead of heading up to the gym equipment as usual, she set up a table where people could stop by to learn more about domestic violence and financial abuse. Over the last few months, SOAR members have been hosting similar small “Women Talking Money” events across Rhode Island.
[May 25, 2018] – Lobbying in its purest form is a conversation. It is the act of talking to elected officials about issues that matter. As a member of SOAR, I am active at the Rhode Island State House. I testify at committee hearings and make my voice heard through engaging in discussions with my legislators in the General Assembly.
[May 11, 2018] – A central part of SOAR is legislative advocacy. Our activism within SOAR has allowed us to use our experience with domestic violence to bring about change in our community. 
[April 20, 2017] – When we were first married, we both worked in the restaurant industry. I always had wads of cash in my apron at the end of each shift. He wanted to be helpful, and wanted to be my “personal financial assistant,” so he’d make deposits for me.
[April 6, 2017] – Yesterday, I spoke at the State House as a survivor of domestic violence to support the Protect Rhode Island Families Act. It was an honor, and a daunting task to speak on behalf of the nearly 10,000 Rhode Islanders each year who are victims of domestic violence. I also spoke for the victims who are no longer with us and able to speak for themselves—from 1980 through 2016, 177 Rhode Islanders lost their lives to domestic violence homicide. Seventy-five of these individuals (42%) were killed with firearms.