From Hardship to Hope


From Hardship to Hope

From Hardship to Hope is a financial empowerment program designed to help people having financial difficulties to develop a personalized financial wellness plan, get connected to financial wellness supports, pursue their financial wellness goals, and feel more hopeful about their future. The program is facilitated by trained peer coaches. Our team at The New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center and Baltic Wellness Solutions is conducting a research study to test if this program can benefit people with financial difficulties and recent thoughts of suicide. Read more below.

Pre-Register Now  

Are you having financial difficulties?

Do you sometimes feel like giving up?

Would you like to get support?

WHO: Individuals aged 18-64 in NYC who are facing financial difficulties, have had recent thoughts of suicide, and are currently seeing or willing to start seeing a mental health provider, are invited to participate in a research study testing a new financial empowerment program.

WHY: Baltic Street AEH, Inc. and New York State Psychiatric Institute have developed From Hardship to Hope, a peer support 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 thoughts of ending their life.

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 supports 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