Piedmont Advantage Credit Union’s Charlotte area Branch Manager Carrieanne Holt served as a featured speaker on Dec. 10 at an event hosted by Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services from its Prevention and Intervention Services Department, addressing one of the most hidden forms of domestic violence: financial abuse.

Speaking to a room of women who have experienced the isolating, controlling and often invisible pressures of financial manipulation, Carrieanne offered both practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement. Drawing on her personal experiences and working directly with members as a certified financial counselor, she shared tools that can help survivors rebuild their financial footing, regain control of their money and, most importantly, restore their peace of mind.

“Peace of mind isn’t something you get all at once. It’s something you rebuild, decision by decision,” Carrieanne said, adding, “You don’t have to rebuild it alone. We’re here to walk alongside you as you take those steps.”

Mecklenburg County’s Social Services Specialist La Reshia Poore indicated that financial abuse strips away choices.

“Reclaiming your finances helps restore them, one small step at a time,” La Reshia added. “You deserve safety, stability and a future that belongs fully to you.”

Carrieanne’s and La Reshia’s message resonated because it came wrapped in real-world steps, like how to budget, open accounts safely, document spending patterns and connect with community partners trained to walk alongside survivors as they rebuild.

But it also came with something less tangible and more powerful: hope.

A Call to Action

Events like this matter. They shine a light into places where silence tends to live. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, financial abuse is a nearly universal element of domestic violence, affecting approximately 99 percent of survivors. This highlights the importance of providing financial education and support as a means to achieve safety and independence.

Carrieanne’s message was direct and straightforward. “You do not have to navigate this alone. There are people who will help you, and we are among them.”

As a credit union rooted in service and belonging, Piedmont Advantage believes financial independence is not only a pathway to stability but a form of personal freedom. We remain committed to equipping survivors with the financial knowledge and tools that can help support long-term safety.

A Community Effort That Makes a Difference

Piedmont Advantage extends sincere appreciation to Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services, Prevention and Intervention Services Department for creating a space where education, empathy and empowerment meet. Their ongoing work provides critical support for women taking courageous steps toward rebuilding their lives.

According to La Reshia, additional events are forthcoming on building more awareness and bridging the gap concerning domestic violence.

If You Need Help, You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or financial abuse, confidential help is available.

Start here:

Safe Alliance, 601 E 5^th Street, Suite 400, Charlotte, 980.771.4673

Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 2000, Charlotte, css@MeckNC.gov