This week at our Nurturing Ourselves Workshop the women made summer handbags. Although the project was intimidating to some of the women who had never sewn before, the facilitators offered support and encouragement throughout the process. As time passed the women began to feel more relaxed and eager to make their own unique creations, mixing various colours and fabrics.

During the workshop, the women had the opportunity to express their feelings of what it’s like staying at Nellie’s.  They mentioned the staff are very caring, well-grounded, and have a deep understanding of the pain and struggles women go through when facing abuse and homelessness.  The women said that having workshops such as this one help with healing and that it is empowering to learn something new, take on a task, and successfully complete it.

More than just a workshop, Nurturing Ourselves is a safe space for women to relax, unwind, and recharge after a stressful day.  Living in a shelter isn’t easy for anyone and that is why it is so important to create opportunities for women to connect with each other and feel good about themselves. One of our residents had this to say: “I feel very good about myself today.  I am fulfilled and happy that I got to learn a new skill which I can take with me when I leave the shelter. Thank you to the staff for caring so much about the residents here.”