CBS Evening News aired a story last week about a mother of three in Washington state who is rebuilding her life after leaving a domestic violence situation.

One of the tools that helped her is an IDA (Individual Development Account) matched savings account, which she used to buy a car, a computer and a home. The three-minute video is on Capital Area Asset Builder’s Web site.

This same tool is available through CAAB for low-income women to help improve their financial situation.  They can earn up to $3,000 to use towards buying a car or a home, starting a small business, paying off medical debt, or continuing education or job training classes.

Christine Walker, a client of CAAB and Lydia’s House–both Grantee Partners of The Women’s Foundation–used an IDA to help pay for school.  You can read her story here.

Emily Appel is the Matched Savings Program Director at Capital Area Asset Builders, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation, which supports CAAB’s IDA program through Stepping Stones.