Recap: Newark First Lady Linda Baraka Launches DFREE Financial Freedom Movement

Newark, NJ—March 1, 2024— Newark's First Lady, Linda Baraka, successfully launched the Newark Women Forward Financial Initiative (NWFMI) on Thursday, February 29, at the historic Krueger-Scott Mansion. The event marked a significant milestone in Newark's efforts to empower women with financial education and tools for personal independence. The kickoff event, attended by prominent figures including Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and representatives from Prudential Financial and RWJ Barnabas Health, showcased the city's commitment to financial empowerment and inclusion.

The FREE 12-week program, designed for women residents of Newark aged 18 and over, offers comprehensive financial education, virtual and live events, and access to licensed professionals through Prudential Financial. In partnership with the dfree® program and other supporters, the NWFMI aims to provide sustainable financial education, enabling participants to pay off debt, build savings, and access financial services.

Attendees at the launch event expressed excitement about the initiative's potential to transform lives and uplift communities. The dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, with its proven track record of helping individuals achieve financial freedom, has already generated significant interest among participants. Moving forward, the Newark Women Forward Financial Initiative will continue to engage and empower women across the city, offering resources and support to help them achieve their financial goals. With the support of partners and stakeholders, Newark is poised to become a model for financial empowerment and inclusion in communities nationwide.

For those interested in joining the initiative or learning more about upcoming events and opportunities, please visit the Newark Women Forward Financial Initiative website or contact the Mayor's Office for additional information.

The launch of the Newark Women Forward Financial Initiative represents a major step forward in Newark's journey towards economic empowerment and independence for all its residents. As the program gains momentum, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on the lives of women in our community and beyond.