"Sowing Economic Empowerment to Domestic Violence Survivors" (S.E.E.D.S)
A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization proudly serving Southern Maryland Tri County Area.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet help domestic violence victims in need. To provide financial assistance to tackle financial abuse. Your generous donation will fund our mission and it is tax deductible. We encourage you to become a monthly supporter and thank you in advance.
About Us
Our Mission and Vision
Our Amazing Board of Directors
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to provide financial assistance to domestic violence victims to obtain financial freedom and independence.
Our Vision is to break the chains of financial abuse.
Get Involved
Our Amazing Board of Directors
Our Mission and Vision
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team!
We are always looking for motivated people to come out and volunteer to support this cause.
Our Amazing Board of Directors
Our Amazing Board of Directors
Our Amazing Board of Directors
Dahlia Freeman Downs (CEO & President)
Stacey Brown
Tyletta Rider
Paul Ray
Dr. Andre Barnett
We still have openings for board members and officers, if interested please contact us.
Meet the Founder/CEO
From Victim to Founder/CEO
As the CEO of Seeds of Courage, Inc., Dahlia Freeman Downs is responsible for running all the facets of the business. Dahlia is a native of Washington, D.C. but currently resides in Charles County, Maryland where she has called home for the last 14 years. Dahlia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Virginia State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (Macro) from Howard University. Prior to Seeds of Courage, Inc., Dahlia served as a Child Protective Services worker, Adoption Social Worker and Prevention Family Preservation worker at the Department of Social Services in Calvert County, Maryland and in Alexandria, Virginia. Dahlia was once a victim of domestic violence and did not know the full impact of her financial situation until she left her abuser. It wasn't until she was left with no money and three children to provide for that she realized that there was a lack of services that provided financial assistance to victims of domestic violence. Dahlia had to come to the conclusion that she was not just a victim of physical, verbal and emotional abuse but also financial abuse. In 2018, Dahlia incorporated a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization called Seeds of Courage, Inc. that provides financial assistance to domestic violence victims to obtain financial freedom and independence. Her organization serves Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s County communities. It is Dahlia's goal to provide service statewide for all of Maryland residents. Dahlia continues to strive and grow in the nonprofit sector while connecting with community leaders and organizations that have the same desire to help break the chains of financial abuse and every other type of abuse. Each day, Dahlia’s work is dedicated to those who were not able to leave their abusers with their lives. She asks that anyone with a willing heart to join the mission and together we will be able to make a significant impact on domestic violence in the Southern Maryland region.
Dahlia Freeman Downs, MSW
Our S.E.E.D.S. Program
Our Objectives Is To:
- Create and develop future goals what will empower and guide victims in moving forward after the abuse;
- Educate victims about financial abuse in domestic violence relationships;
- Provide financial assistance to help victims to leave an abusive situation to include but not limited to transportation, educational expenses, child subsidy;
- Teach coping skills though journaling and self-assessment; and
- Offer a referral-based service that connects survivors to local community resources.
Eligibility Criteria:
One must meet all the eligibility to receive financial assistance (exception to #5 as it applies):
- Must be a resident of Charles, Calvert or St. Mary's County
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must be an U.S. Citizen or legal resident
- REFERRAL ONLY (Therapist, DV Coordinator, Social Worker etc.)
- Abstinent from drugs and/or alcohol for at least three (3) months (if it applies)
- Out of an abusive relationship for no more than three (3) years.
- Have not received services from this agency within the last six (6) months
How to Apply?
- One must be referred via email or phone (Referral Form Submitted)(see Eligibility Criteria)
- An Intake Form will be completed and an interview will be scheduled.
- During the interview, a Goal Assessment Application will be completed and needed documentation will need to be submitted.
- Once the application is completed, it will be submitted for review.
- A decision of approval and amount of assistance will be made no later than five (5) days (differ for emergency cases).
- All financial assistance payments are paid directly to the provider not the recipie
Donate Now
Your generous gift will help us fund our mission to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference regarding domestic violence and financial abuse.
Donations are tax deductible.
