Web of Benefit Gives Grants to Female Domestic Violence Survivors

Marie's life may sound pretty typical. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in her early 20's. Eager for a fulfilling career, she decided to specialize in substance counseling and enrolled in a program at Middlesex College that would enable her to get her certificate. She is on her way to a fulfilling career. But she will be the first to say it would not have been possible without the grant she received from Web of Benefit.

Web of Benefit Self-Sufficiency grants are for women who have suffered domestic violence. The grant money enables former victims of violence to live safe, stable lives and achieve economic independence. Marie was once in an abusive relationship and suffered from drug and alcohol abuse. The Web of Benefit grant enabled her to start a new life and fulfill her dream of helping other women.

Web of Benefit was founded in 2004 by Johanna Crawford in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Johanna is herself a domestic violence survivor. The non-profit organization awarded its first grant in 2005 and since  then has given nearly 1000 self-sufficiency grants to women who have escaped from abusive relationships or households. Her organization has expanded its network of participating companies to more than 80 in the Boston and Chicago areas. Johanna's plan is to become a national organization.

The micro grants of $500 have gone a long way toward making a huge difference in the lives of many women. More than half have increased their education, and the organization reports an increase of 73% in college graduates.


For more information, visit www.webofbenefit.org