Seeds of Courage, Inc.

About Us

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

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 a volunteer to support this cause.

Find out more

Our Amazing Board of Directors

Dahlia Freeman Downs (CEO & President)

Stacey Brown

Tyletta Rider

Corey Beckett

Ellis Craig

We still have openings for board members and officers, if interested please contact us.

My Story

From Dahlia Freeman Downs, Founder, CEO & President

About 7 years ago, I had to make a life or death decision that no mother wants to make and that was to leave the abusive situation I was in along with my children. I was tired of the emotional, mental and physical abuse so I decided to stand up for myself and for my children. After being held in the home against my will I had to make a choice to leave and get help from the courts. I finally made a way out of the home and drove to the court house for a protective order. My abusive ex followed me there and filed a false protective order against me as well to be spiteful and to put fear in me. I was granted the protective order and custody of the children and went to the bank to get some money out and it was all withdrawn except for $2.73. I had children to feed and bills to pay and he took every dime and locked me out of the family business. Later that day, I went to Lifestyles to the food bank to get food because Social Services was closed.

The next day I applied for food stamps and medical assistance. Throughout the day, I searched for financial resources to help with the bills but they were all out of money and I applied for free legal services but because of the business that I didn't have access too, I made too much to qualify. I was a stay at home mother so I did not have a job at the time and needed to look for work before they repossess the car. My ex put the home in foreclosure purposely so that me and the children would be homeless and run back to him. But God had a plan for my life. I did not know that in the mist of my situation God was preparing me for something greater. God spoke to me and my mission is to tell my testimony everywhere I go and to help those in financial need so they will not return back to the abuser. There is life after leaving and we are stronger than we think. Seeds of Courage was created to reach every victim of domestic violence and to share my story and provide financial help to reduce any burden as possible and to give financial freedom and independence to those who seek it. This is my journey so let's be courageous together!!

Walk this Journey with Me

Our Program

Objectives

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, phone or website (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.
Once the application is completed it will be submitted for review.
A decision of approval and amount of assistance will be made within 24 hours (differ for emergency cases)
All financial assistance payments are paid directly to the provider not the recipient.