Pathways to Opportunity Initiative
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sexual harassment (DVSASSH) face barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment. Survivors are often isolated from the education and employment opportunities they need to ensure their safety. In addition, without proper support, DVSASSH may impact a survivor’s retention in skills training and employment opportunities.
The Pathways to Opportunity Initiative seeks to address these barriers to economic independence for DVSASSH survivors through regional teams made up of a victim service organization, education organization, and workforce development organization. Futures without Violence has partnered with the Corporation for Skilled Workforce and Women Employed to train these regional collaboratives on how to help DVSASSH survivors gain and maintain employment.
About the teams:
Each team will be comprised of a:
- Victim Service Organization: an organization that provides wraparound services such as crisis intervention, safety planning, housing, legal advocacy and case management to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment (DVSASSH). As part of the team, they help survivors address the personal and safety barriers that may affect their employment. Examples: domestic violence shelter, transitional housing program, family justice centers, DVSASSH economic empowerment programs, human and social service providers, local nonprofit serving survivors of DVSASSH , etc.
- Education Organization: an organization such as an adult school, community college, vocational training program, or career and technical training programs that provide academic instruction, certificates and credentialing, and skill-building opportunities. As part of the team, they create learning pathways that help survivors build new skills and gain the accreditation needed for employment. Examples: Adult School, Community College, Continuing Education Programs, Vocational Training Program, CTE Programs, Registered Apprenticeships etc.
- Workforce Development Organization: an organization that offers services such as job readiness coaching, résumé support, interview preparation, skill assessments, and direct links to local employers. Within the team, they help survivors explore careers, prepare for employment, and connect with job opportunities. Example: Career Centers, American Job Centers, WIOA Title I, II or III Programs, TANF employment programs, Reentry workforce programs, Economic Development Organizations, Registered Apprenticeships
Apply Today
If you are a victim service, education, or workforce development organization interested in applying to be a part of the Pathways to Opportunity initiative, apply here today:
- Application will be live 1/12/2026-3/15/2026.
Selected applicants will receive $20,000 to participate in the Pathways Initiative.
Informational webinar on the Pathways to Opportunity Initiative:
Title: Strengthening Job Opportunities for Survivors
Date: February 12, 2026
Time: 3pm-4pm EST
Description: Futures Without Violence, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and Women Employed is launching The Pathways to Opportunity Initiative to create regional partnerships that enable organizations to collaborate in improving employment outcomes for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment (DVSASSH). Join the kickoff webinar to learn how DVSASSH affects employment, introduce the organizations behind the initiative, and outline ways to participate in regional partnerships that support survivor-centered employment solutions.
Participation in the Pathways to Opportunity Initiative:
For questions email pathways@futureswithoutviolence.org
This project is supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-24-GK-06128-NRCW awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed herein or in any materials herein, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.