Choose the Bear: Success Stories
When 1 in 2 women face abuse in their lifetimes and 99% of those also suffer financial abuse, is it any wonder that women chose the bear? See their stories.
Content warning: This article contains references to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and economic abuse.
Choose The Bear™ Success Stories:
A commitment to caring is just that.
Part of being a financial best friend means that we walk with you through the dark times as well as the bright spots. Which is why we’re proud to say that our Choose The Bear™ initiative has helped 35 women facing the perils economic abuse pivot their lives for the better in just the past year.
Here some of their stories:
She Chose the Bear: A true story of Relentless Care
“A member called in to the Care Center in clear distress, crying, stating she needed to talk to someone, but she couldn’t speak loudly. Our Care Center handled the interaction so wonderfully, asking if she was in a safe space or if she needed assistance contacting authorities. She confirmed she was ok, hearing about us from Northern Michigan Women’s Resource Center, and we were her last hope to get to safety.
Having moved here from another state to be with her partner, and having no access to funds of her own, we were able to get her approval of a personal loan to rent a vehicle and drive back to her home state safely with her family.
When the member came to get her funds, she hugged our team member at the branch and asked her to pass the hug to everyone involved. She truly feels we were her last hope, and she couldn’t express the relief she was feeling. She is ready to take her life back.”
— Sarah B.
People Leader/Care Center
They walked with us: Out of the forest and into a better place
“We’ve helped several survivors get a safe place of their own. One was living with friends in a hotel room for over a year. Another had started a new job but could not save enough for a security deposit. We even helped one survivor who had just managed to get into Section 8 housing but had nothing for her kids. With Choose The Bear™, she was able to get a dresser, beds, and some personal items for the children. It really feels good to be able to do that for them.”
— Danielle F., chief growth officer
We’re here to walk with you.
Every story can be a successful one. If you believe that you or a loved one are suffering from economic abuse, visit Choose The Bear™ for resources and information to pivot your trajectory for the better.
You are Enuff™
Looking to make your Impossible Dreams possible? Your membership can help make it happen!
How to Help
Walk with us
Choose The Bear
Dedicated to helping pivot survivor’s financial trajectories for the better, Choose The Bear™ is our way of supporting women experiencing economic abuse across the state of Michigan.
First Step
As advocates and supporters of survivors, the mission of First Step is to eliminate both domestic and sexual violence and to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families impacted by these crimes.