Challenge

Survivors of family and domestic violence often face barriers to financial independence. Good Shepherd ANZ, in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, sought to co-design a financial independence recovery program that was to trauma-informed, practical, and responsive to diverse needs.

Approach

CIS facilitated the co-design process, engaging people with lived experience, sector leaders, and academic experts. We supported “Living Lab” test-and-learn cycles, identified key insights, and refined the implementation plan. Our role ensured the service model was collaborative, evidence-based, and adaptable for long-term delivery.

Outcome

The Financial Independence Hub was launched in July 2020 and continues to operate with CommBank’s support. CIS’s contributions position the Hub for scalable delivery, enabling survivors to access tailored financial coaching and pathways to independence.