Choose the Bear
Helping Michigan women escape economic abuse.
Walk with us
When asked whether they would prefer to meet a man or a bear, while walking in the woods, most women said… the bear.
When 54% of women1 in America experience contact sexual violence and 47%2 suffer from domestic violence/intimate partner violence, this eye-opening admission isn’t a surprise.
Taken together with the facts that many women stay with abusive partners due to economic abuse3 and that up to 99% of domestic violence includes economic abuse, this ongoing status quo is unacceptable. Especially in a country that prides itself as the land of the free.
At Community Financial, we're stepping up to help where we can make the most immediate impact. As a for-impact credit union created to improve the lives of our local communities, to stand with people in the bright spots, the dark moments, and all the harried vibrations in between, we’re dedicating ourselves to helping women escape economic abuse and regain the promise of freedom that this country was founded on.
Pivoting their trajectory and improving their outcomes for the better.
Life’s true currency is love. And, together, we can change things for the better.
Walk with us. Choose The Bear.™ Because the bear can help.
Digital Safety Tips
Protect yourself online!
To minimize the chances of someone knowing that you are researching information about domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, follow these tips.
First Step Hotline
First Step is the first step
IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY DIAL 911
Community Financial Credit Union team members assisting you are not medical or mental health professionals, but will connect you with available resources. For comprehensive, confidential assistance contact our professional partners at First Step of Wayne County through their 24-hour helpline at (734) 722-6800 or see below for your local Michigan resource.
Economic Abuse Stats
The need is real
Economic Abuse affects more than just the survivor alone. Their lost potential affects us all.
94-99%
Of domestic violence survivors have also experienced economic abuse.1
3 in 4
Say they stayed with their abusive partners longer because of economic abuse.2
$3.1-$3.6
Trillion
The economic burden of SA and IPV/DV survivor population over their lifetimes.3,4,5
The economic
trajectory
Of SA and IPV/DV survivors is negatively affected by abuse.6,7
Economic Abuse Awareness
Economic Abuse isn’t always obvious
Planning to Pivot
Path to Recovery
How Choosing The Bear™ Can Help
Since 2021, Community Financial and the Relentless Care Foundation have contributed or committed over $107,250 to organizations and programs working to support survivors escaping sexual or domestic violence. Choose The Bear™ is the next evolution of our commitment to doing good for our communities. Which is why we’re proud to offer a number of potential financial lifelines to help survivors pivot their economic outlooks for the better.
Change is possible. Need proof?
Survivor Support
Financial tools to help
If you’re ready to walk with us, we're ready to help you make the most of your money.
What to expect when you connect with us
We are here to provide confidential, compassionate financial support and tools for abuse survivors looking to exit their current situation and regain independence. We will listen to your story. We will work with you to understand your situation and your needs. We will refer you to local advocates and supportive providers. We will work to provide the services that make the most sense for your plan. And, in many communities, we’re right around the corner. Call the Community Financial Care Center at (877) 937-2328 to learn more and get started.
How to safely get started
Connect with your local support resource
See below or tap to find your local providers here. Trained, experienced, confidential providers can help guide you through the process and provide resources to help, often at no charge.
Connect with Community Financial
Call our Community Financial Care Center at (877) 937-2328 to learn how to set up an account and learn more about financial services that can help you make your way to a safer, independent future.
Resources for Help
Michigan Abuse Advocates
You don’t have to feel alone. There are open hearts all over Michigan. Find yours here.
The trail doesn’t end here.
We are constantly evolving to continue better serving our community members in need. If we’ve helped you achieve your financial independence, please reach out so that we can learn from your experience to keep improving our services and help more people in our communities.
Future Services & Support
We are actively working with our domestic abuse and sexual assault resource partners to activate new services to help women regain their financial independence. Please watch this space for more.
You don’t have to walk alone
Story
Taking the First Steps with First Step
Nancy shares an emotional story about her work with First Step through Choose The Bear™. Highlighting the partnership’s ability to help women in Michigan overcome abusive and unhealthy relationships.
Thought Leadership
Choose The Bear
A personal story that inspired the "Choose the Bear" movement, highlighting our efforts to help women facing violence and economic abuse through financial tools and support for safer futures.
"Community Financial is a partner to First Step in the truest sense of the word. Yes, they are financial contributors and volunteers, but also so much more. They ideate, create new offerings for our clients, support the needs of our staff, and do the tough work of bringing the impacts of domestic violence and intimate partner violence to light. We’re grateful for their courage and heart, and are proud to walk alongside them."
—Lori Kitchen-Bushel, Executive Director, First Step
More Community Impact
When it matters most
Because we’ve been there too, we're here to help in the dark moments as well as the light.
Cancer Care Agents
The first program of its kind in the country, we’re working with Cancer Care Advocate Andy Janning to create compassionate and personalized support for those battling cancer.
Steps After Life
Compassionate, expert guidance to help you handle the complexities that come up after losing a loved one.
h-Ope! Affordable Housing
The h-Ope! Affordable Housing program is our way of breaking down the common barriers that keep people from homeownership. Whether you have rate or down payment concerns, low credit, or even timeline issues–helping you find a place to call your own is what we’re putting first.
Choose The Bear
We’re actively working to pivot the trajectories of economic abuse survivors across the state of Michigan toward a better, brighter future. If you, or a loved one, are facing economic abuse, Choose The Bear™. We can help. Content Warning: Messages about sexual violence and IPV/DV
1: https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/nisvsReportonSexualViolence.pdf
2: https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/NISVSReportonIPV_2022.pdf
3: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886260514554291
4: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153649/
5: https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797%2818%2931904-4/abstract#:~:text=Results,U.S.%20adults%20with%20victimization%20history/
6: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153649/
7: https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797%2818%2931904-4/abstract#:~:text=Results,U.S.%20adults%20with%20victimization%20history