GROW: Understanding Financial Abuse: Protecting Yourself and Finding Support

18 Mar, 2026

Join ABLE2 for an in-person workshop on Understanding Financial Abuse: Protecting Yourself and Finding Support on March 18 at 1 Community Place, as part of our GROW Financial Literacy Series.

Financial abuse is a serious and often hidden form of violence that can affect anyone, at any time. This session will help participants understand what financial abuse is, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps can be taken to stay safe and seek support.

Financial abuse can take many forms—from controlling access to money, to taking someone’s funds without permission, to pressuring them into financial decisions they don’t fully understand or want. Its impacts can be profound, affecting not only a person’s finances but also their independence, well-being, and sense of security. This webinar provides clear, accessible information to help you identify risks early and take action.

By the end of the session, you will gain essential knowledge about financial abuse, including red flags to watch for, strategies to protect yourself, and where to turn for help if you or someone you know is being financially abused. The presentation is designed to be informative, supportive, and empowering—focused on safety, awareness, and building confidence in managing personal financial boundaries.

Date: March 18, 2026, 5:00 P.m. – 6:30 p.m. EST (delivered in English)

Venue: (In-person only) 1 Community Place, 312 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5

Registration closes on March 16, 2026, at 12 PM*

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand what financial abuse is
  • Recognize common red flags and warning signs
  • Learn practical ways to protect yourself
  • Explore where to find support and resources

Who Should Attend:

This presentation is for anyone who has a disability (of any kind) and would like to learn more about financial abuse or learn about how to find support.

This session is also open to caregivers and support people, and family members or others who support a person with a disability with their finances

This is an introductory presentation, and no background knowledge is required.

Speaker:

Jeri Bittorf – Resolve Counselling Services Canada

Jeri Bittorf helps people learn how to manage their money. Jeri has worked in this field for over 16 years. She supports people who are having money problems and people who want to feel more confident about their finances. 

Jeri is trained as a credit counsellor and money coach. She understands that money is not just about numbers; it is also about feelings, stress, and life experiences. She helps people set goals and make plans that work for them. Jeri has taught money classes across Canada and has worked with many community groups to help people build better financial lives.

Presented by ABLE2’s Funding Brokerage Service and Resolve Counselling Services Canada

Resolve Counselling Services Canada is a not-for-profit agency governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The organization provides quality counselling services to significantly improve the social, emotional, and economic well-being of individuals and families.

This GROW Financial Literacy Series session is generously funded by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Liability Disclaimer Statement 

ABLE2 offers the in-person GROW Education Series Session for educational purposes only. Participants should understand that there is always a possibility of physical injury. By registering, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk. ABLE2 accepts no responsibility for any injuries or accidents that may occur during the activity.

By participating in the virtual GROW Education Series Session, you are agreeing to the following liability statements.

I voluntarily agree to assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any illness or injury to myself, including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, death, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, may experience or incur in connection with my participation in the in-person GROW Education Series Session.

On my behalf (and on behalf of any minors in my care), I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities, its officers and directors, members, employees, volunteers, agents and representatives, of all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind, arising out of or relating to my (and any minors in my care) participation in the in-person GROW Education Series Session.

I understand and agree that this release includes any & all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities, its directors or officers, employees, volunteers, agents and representatives, before, during or after participation in the in-person GROW Education Series Session.

Our Most Popular Events

Evening in the Maritimes

Evening in the Maritimes

Immerse yourself in the Maritimes at ABLE2's authentic east coast kitchen party. Evening in the Maritimes brings the Maritimes to Ottawa for a fun night filled with fresh lobster, lively east coast music, a chance to take home amazing gifts and prizes from our sponsors, while raising money to help enhance the quality of life of people living with disabilities in the National Capital Region. This unique event is sold out every year, bringing together hundreds of high-profile guests from all over Ottawa!