Since 2022, Nellie’s has proudly offered empowerment self-defense programs for both women and children as part of our work to end gender-based violence. Over time, however, we’ve recognized the importance of moving beyond empowerment as a specific set of programs, and instead embedding it throughout everything we do.
Rather than treating empowerment as a separate offering, we’re weaving it through all of our work — from shelter and housing support to seniors’ programs, children’s services, and community outreach. This shift reflects the realities our clients face today: more complex systems, longer wait times, and fewer clear choices.
“Empowerment really is a core, fundamental value in all of the work that we do,” explains Program Director Jiin Yiong. That work begins with the women and their children living at Nellie’s. In addition to providing food and shelter, Jiin notes that individual support is key — particularly the role case management workers play in helping women navigate legal systems and access safe, affordable housing. “Empowerment is supporting the individual woman to build self-confidence, build knowledge, and strengthen her ability to make decisions for herself,” she says.
Providing greater access to information is a critical part of this approach. Through housing workshops, one-on-one support, and community-based programming, Nellie’s focuses on sharing practical knowledge that helps women feel more informed, capable, and supported.
This empowerment lens also extends beyond the shelter through our Community Support & Outreach programs. One example is the healthy relationship workshops offered to women in our seniors’ socialization program. These workshops aim to show women what a safe and supportive relationship looks like, and how to spot red flags for abuse.
In our children’s programming, empowerment looks a little different but follows the same principle: giving kids and their families the tools and support to navigate challenges, express themselves, and build confidence. From age-appropriate activities and outings to partnerships with organizations like the Child Development Institute for individual and family support, we focus on creating safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and feel heard.
Empowerment also guides our outreach work. Recently, members of our staff were trained to become facilitators of the Coaching Boys Into Men program, which focuses on teaching coaches how to promote healthy relationships, challenge harmful stereotypes, and help boys manage anger constructively. In the new year, we hope to connect to local schools and community centres to help move this program forward.
“To date, our outreach work has always been focused on women and girls,” Jiin explains. “But we recognize that to break the cycle of violence, we also need to involve men and boys in a proactive and healthy way.”
At Nellie’s, empowerment is no longer a standalone program — it’s the thread that runs through everything we do. Whether supporting women navigating complex systems, helping seniors explore healthy relationships, giving children safe spaces to grow, or guiding coaches to mentor boys in constructive ways, our goal is the same: to give people the knowledge, confidence, and support to make decisions for themselves and thrive.