Survivor Workforce & Financial Mobility, a new pillar of our work, brings together survivor-centered programs and strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for survivors long after they leave exploitation. We’re proud to welcome two organizations whose work is already transforming what’s possible for survivors. Together, we will:
🔹Expand survivor-centered workforce development opportunities nationwide
🔹Increase access to financial mobility and economic empowerment
🔹Strengthen partnerships with employers, financial institutions, workforce systems, and community organizations
🔹Elevate survivor leadership across program design, implementation, and systems change
🔹Build a more coordinated continuum of support that helps survivors thrive long after exploitation has ended
Elevate Academy
Founded by survivor leader Rebecca Bender, Elevate Academy joins Polaris to build on one of the nation’s leading survivor-led workforce development programs. Since its founding, Elevate Academy has equipped more than 2,000 survivors across 986 communities and 29 countries with the professional skills, confidence, coaching, and employer connections needed to build meaningful careers and lasting financial stability.
Survivor Inclusion Initiative (SII)
Originally launched through the Finance Against Slavery & Trafficking (FAST) Initiative under the leadership of Barry Koch, SII has helped advance financial inclusion by working alongside financial institutions to reduce barriers survivors often face in accessing safe and equitable financial services.