Last month, Hope's Door announced the launch of their "Next Step" program, which will help victims of domestic abuse attain financial independence by providing vocational training and assistance with interviewing skills, financial literacy, life skills and resume writing. The program will be funded by donations from the Avon Foundation, Verizon Foundation and the Sexauer Foundation. Senator Stewart-Cousins, a strong supporter of Hope's Door, commented on the launch of the program.

"The launch of the Next Step Economic Empowerment Program will not only give women the tools they need to be strong and prominent members of the workforce, but it will empower domestic abuse survivors to live independently and be economically secure. In this first week of Women's History Month, the launch of this program is a fitting way to recognize the extraordinary contributions of women throughout history, the progress we have made and the work we still need to do," said Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.