Bella’s First Car – Economic Empowerment

99% of domestic violence situations involve financial abuse. The ability to make and act on decisions that involve control over and allocation of financial resources is imperative to breaking the cycle of abuse. Financial independence is key to domestic violence survivors’ ability to live violence-free lives. Unfortunately, many survivors have limited financial freedom due to abusers deliberately destroying their financial security.

*Bella was referred to Harbor House after fleeing a brutal attack from her partner. Upon finding safe haven in our emergency shelter, she began working with a case manager to develop a plan tailored to her needs to assist in remaining free from violence. Bella soon realized that her domestic violence situation was not only categorized as physical abuse, but also financial abuse; her partner restricted her financial independence by not allowing her to work.

Our Economic Justice Housing Coordinator worked endlessly with Bella to obtain a work visa, social security number, and a temporary drivers license that allowed her to find a job that not only provided steady income, but made her proud. The income from Bella’s new job allowed her to afford an apartment on her own and achieve financial independence. Although Bella no longer needed our emergency shelter services, she still continued working with her advocate while starting her new life, in her new home.

One of Bella’s financial goals was purchasing her first car, which she had been saving for throughout her stay in the emergency shelter. However, many obstacles were in her path to purchasing a vehicle – a challenging immigration case that caused higher down payments and interest rates that made this goal feel unattainable.

After countless hours of research and many hopeless conversations with car dealerships, our advocates were able to support Bella and find a local dealership with a compassionate salesman who helped Bella purchase a pre-owned vehicle! Utilizing our matching program, Bella was able to meet her goal of purchasing her first vehicle and achieve what she would call economic empowerment. Bella now has more opportunities to continue gaining financial independence and achieve all of the goals she has set for herself and her daughter.

Bella’s journey highlights how access, advocacy, and the right support systems can turn overwhelming barriers into meaningful milestones, especially when economic independence is the goal. Purchasing her first car was more than a financial achievement; it represented freedom, stability, and the ability to build a better future for herself and her daughter.

After so much effort to overcome legal, financial, and systemic challenges, owning a vehicle opened doors to employment opportunities, safer commuting, and greater control over her daily life. Stories like Bella’s remind us that progress often happens step by step, and that each new responsibility, whether it is housing, employment, or transportation, requires thoughtful planning and continued guidance to ensure long-term success.

As new drivers like Bella begin this next chapter, practical considerations such as insurance become just as important as the vehicle itself. For individuals navigating a new financial reality or driving for the first time, flexible coverage can ease the transition and reduce stress during an already demanding period. In these situations, hourly car insurance for new drivers can provide a short-term solution that allows someone to stay legally protected while gaining confidence on the road or managing costs before committing to a long-term policy. Much like the advocacy and matching support that helped Bella secure her car, accessible insurance options play a vital role in sustaining momentum, empowering new drivers to move forward safely as they continue building independence and stability.

Harbor House of Central Florida strives year-round to provide economic justice and empowerment support to help survivors find financial independence and break the cycle of abuse. Our advocates work with survivors towards financial literacy from the first crisis line phone call.

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, please contact our 24/7 confidential hotline at 407-886-2856 to speak with a trained advocate for financial safety planning and to initiate services for economic empowerment.

*Name changed to protect identity.