What are Economic Empowerment Services All About?
By: Dominique Cravins, Economic Empowerment Coordinator
When is the last time you felt truly “empowered”?
It seems like such a fantastical, magical word—one that can only be associated with superheroes or mythical creatures, but the truth is, everyone deserves to feel powerful.
Empowerment is that quiet confidence that you have the power to shape your own life and create meaningful change.
One of the best ways to empower yourself is through financial freedom. There is real power in being able to pay your bills consistently and to live without fear of not having enough. You have the power to change the narrative of your life when you gain control of your finances and build economic stability.
Traditionally, economic empowerment has been defined simply as securing employment. While finding a job is essential, it represents only one piece of a much larger picture. Here at the Life Center, we believe economic empowerment goes beyond employment—it’s about building lasting stability, choice, and opportunity.
Economic empowerment can also mean going back to school to finish the degree you once started or finally learning how to manage a household budget with confidence. It begins with recognizing that one of life’s greatest challenges is navigating the transition from instability to stability.
While the world of economic empowerment is broad, we have intentionally focused our efforts on three key areas:
- Education
- Financial Literacy
- and Employment
We identified these pillars as having the greatest potential for growth and the strongest impact on long-term economic mobility.
Education
Education
Now more than ever, education can be the difference between a temporary position and a full-time career. Today, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center report, young men with a high school diploma who work full-time, year-round earn a median of $45,000, up from $39,300 in 2014. Those with some college education see even higher median earnings of $50,000, relatively unchanged from $49,100 in 2014. Similarly, young women with a high school diploma now earn a median of $36,000, up from $30,900 in 2014, while those with some college experience see their median earnings rise to $40,000, compared with $37,700 in 2014.
These figures highlight how even incremental educational gains can translate into meaningful increases in earning potential.
That’s why here at the Life Center, we are tackling the barriers to education by providing personalized support, guidance, and resources every step of the way. You can also expect greater access to admissions representatives and a more intentional approach to connecting you with the institution that best fits your goals—whether that’s trade school, community college, or a 4-year university. We believe the world is your oyster, and the right opportunities can open doors to a future full of possibility.
Financial Literacy
Just as education opens doors to opportunity, understanding how to manage your finances ensures you can step confidently through them. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023 study on financial literacy, about 54% of U.S. adults report knowing “a great deal” or “a fair amount” about personal finances. However, this number drops even further among lower-income households, racial minorities, and Americans under the age of 29, highlighting the disparities in financial knowledge and access to resources.
We have a lot of work to do—and that’s why here at the Life Center, we created the Economic Empowerment workshop series, “Career Trainings and Life Hacks,” and “Money & Like Skills.” These workshops cover a variety of topics, from goal setting to job interviewing, and are offered twice a month in both virtual and in-person formats. They provide a unique opportunity to demystify the essential knowledge needed for true empowerment, while also building community among participants.
Here’s what past attendees have said about the workshops:
- “The method of breaking down goals into realistic, actionable steps was very helpful along with the visuals and the Q & A.”
- “Understanding the breakdown of fixed expenses and sources of income was the most helpful part of the workshop.”
Being economically empowered means feeling informed, confident, and in control of the decisions that shape your life. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops and trainings—follow us on our social media pages to learn more and get involved!
Employment
With financial knowledge in hand, the next step is translating that confidence into meaningful career opportunities and long-term economic stability. To support this, the Life Center offers Economic Empowerment Office Hours to provide accessible, personalized support for anyone looking to advance their career or improve their financial well-being.
Available at both our Norfolk and Hampton offices, you can drop in during the designated hours without an appointment to discuss your goals and create a clear pathway to achieving them. This free resource is flexible—you can use it as much or as little as you need, depending on your objectives. See the hours below:
Hampton Office Hours
20 Settlers Landing Rd
Hampton, VA 23669
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Norfolk Office Hours
5360 Robin Hood Rd
Norfolk, VA 23513
Fridays | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
If you do want one-on-one, personalized support, you can schedule an appointment anytime—no referral needed!
We are also excited to announce that we are currently preparing for our Spring Career Fair in May 2026! Our goal is to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever, bringing together employers from across Hampton Roads. Whether you’re looking to explore new opportunities, network with local businesses, or take the next step in your career, this event is designed to connect you directly with potential employers and resources to help you succeed.
Economic Empowerment isn’t reserved for fairytales. With guidance from the Life Center, you can gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to create real change in your life. Let us help you achieve your goals and build the future you deserve! Whether you’re advancing your education, strengthening your financial skills, or exploring career opportunities, the Life Center is here to help you take the next step today.
Ready to register or learn more? Email info@lgbtlifecenter.org or find a session that suites you at lgbtlifecenter.org/events.
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