From Hardship to Hope
From Hardship to Hope is a financial empowerment program for people having financial difficulties. The program supports individuals in developing a personalized financial wellness action plan, connecting with financial wellness resources, pursuing their financial goals, and feeling more hopeful about their future.
From Hardship to Hope is facilitated by trained peer coaches. Our team at the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, in collaboration with Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, is conducting a research study to evaluate whether this program can benefit individuals experiencing financial difficulties and recent thoughts of suicide.
Pre-Register Now
Are you having financial difficulties?
Do you sometimes feel like giving up?
Would you like to get support?
WHO: You are invited to participate in this research study if you:
- are aged 18-64
- live or work in NYC
- are experiencing financial difficulties
- have had recent thoughts of suicide
- are willing to be referred to a financial counselor
- are currently seeing or willing to start seeing a mental health provider
WHY: Baltic Street Wellness Solutions and New York State Psychiatric Institute have developed From Hardship to Hope, a financial empowerment program to help people connect to financial wellness supports and to feel more hopeful about their future. Our team is conducting a research study to test whether this program is helpful to people having financial difficulties and with recent thoughts of suicide.
WHAT: From Hardship to Hope will offer 12 group sessions, a minimum of 9 peer coaching sessions, and ongoing support over several months to:
- Develop a Financial Wellness Plan.
- Access financial wellness resources to manage debts, build credit and savings, receive tax credits, and meet your basic needs (e.g., housing, food).
- Connect with a free, certified financial counselor who can offer professional advice about your personal situation.
- Help you achieve a concrete financial goal, such as reducing debt pressures, saving for an emergency, getting tax credits you are eligible for, and improving your credit score.
- Build hope about your financial future.
- Create a support network to help you achieve your financial goals.
All group sessions will be conducted remotely via HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing platform. You will have the option to attend individual coaching sessions via videoconference or telephone. You will be asked to complete five assessments, four feedback surveys, and two focus groups at different points during the program. The total possible compensation for participating in all program and research activities is $500.00. You may also be asked to participate in two additional interviews, in which case you would receive additional compensation.
HOW: If you are interested in participating in this program please pre-register here: https://redcap.link/l34hkqto, or click the “Pre-Register Now” button below. After you have filled out the form, a staff member will contact you to provide more information and discuss if this program might be a good fit for you.
Pre-Register Now
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this research study, please email us at: fromhardshiptohope@nyspi.columbia.edu.
Download the Flyer Here
To download a copy of the flyer, please click here: From Hardship to Hope Flyer