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Economic Empowerment

Sakhi’s Economic Empowerment Program
Public Benefits
How do I look for a job?
ESL Classes

When Safiya first came to the United States, she was hopeful of a bright future where she would be able to complete her dream of becoming a teacher. She had taught in India before and was looking forward to gaining experience in the field here. She soon realized that her academic credentials were not valid here in the United States. In order to begin her teaching career in this country, she would need to take additional courses. Her husband refused to support her financially through this process and her dream remained unfulfilled.

Safiya reached out to Sakhi years ago seeking help regarding the emotional, physical, and financial abuse she faced in her marital home. She reached out to us again recently when she had made a decision to pursue the additional courses she required to satisfy the credential requirements. A Sakhi staff member helped her research scholarships and grant programs. Safiya was approved for the Swarna Fund grant and has now completed her undergraduate degree.

There are numerous scholarships and grants that you might be eligible for. It is never too late to further your education. Contact South Asian anti-domestic violence organizations in your area to see if they can assist you.

Sakhi’s Economic Empowerment Program

Sakhi’s Economic Empowerment program works to empower survivors of violence in earning their own livings and pursuing their own careers. We offer:

• Basic computer literacy courses covering instruction in resume-writing, internet job-search navigation, development in English communication skills, and training in Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint proficiency;
• Classes and workshops that focus on employee rights, starting a small business, and financial literacy – including bank loans, budgeting, investing, retirement funds, and education savings accounts;
• Connections to job training and placement agencies that are sensitive to the needs of survivors of violence; and,
• Through the Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund, we also provide small grants to qualified survivors for career and continuing education opportunities at accredited institutions.

Public Benefits

Click here to learn more about public benefits.

How do I look for a job?

Working legally in the United States requires citizenship, permanent residency or green card, and work authorization documents. You will also need to create a document called “a resume” that lists your educational background and work experiences. Below are some tips and suggestions to help you out during your job search.

• Look on the internet! If you don’t have access to the internet at home, you can go to your community library and ask staff for help;
• Network! Talk to your friends, neighbors and community members and ask them if they know about job openings;
• Look in newspapers and magazines under the Classifieds section;
• Check bulletin boards in grocery stores, libraries, and community centers on a regular basis; and,
• Contact a job training or job placement organization. They can help you create a resume and also offer workshops that help you strengthen your interview skills.

ESL Classes

I would like to improve my English skills. What should I do?

Many community-based organizations, neighborhood centers, and public libraries offer free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to interested individuals. You can consult the Community Resource Directory for South Asians at http://www.southasianhealth.org/ for more information regarding NYC organizations that offer ESL classes and other human services.