Most people who think of Nellie’s, think first of our shelter. They think of the women and their children who arrive every month in search of a safe space.
But we are so much more than a bed; we help women and their children take the brave steps towards accomplishing the next chapter in their lives.
“We have always been more than just a bed, we’re there in the moment of crisis but we continue to stand alongside the women and children who need us as they take positive steps towards their future,” says Jyoti Singh, Nellie’s Executive Director.
Even through the challenges of this global pandemic, we stand alongside them as they navigate the legal system, immigration services, social services, child protection services, health care, and more. And, we offer counselling, children’s programming, safety planning, outreach services, violence against women workshops, and more. Government funding ensures a roof over our heads, beds to sleep in and other essentials, but the essential programs and services we deliver to meet the changing and complex needs of our community are possible because of generous donors like you.
Here’s a look at just some of the programs and services available to the women and their children both in our shelter and living in our community through our Community Support and Outreach office.
Children’s Program
Abuse destroys a child’s view of the world as a safe and predictable place. Children suffering from the effects of abuse and trauma often learn that bad things happen no matter how hard you try to be good. The Children’s Program uses art and creative interventions to provide a safe space for children to express their thoughts and feelings. It gives children living at Nellie’s a space to be kids again while giving their mothers a few hours to themselves. During last spring’s shutdown, we opened our children’s playroom more often to help kids while schools were closed. Read about how pandemic restrictions changed how we run our program.
Domestic Youth Violence Program
A different approach than our Children’s Program is needed for teens to deal with their trauma. Our Domestic Youth Violence Program works with teens in a structured, constructive, and positive way. Many have witnessed violence in the home, which can lead to challenging behaviours, such as repeating violence, and escalating mother-child conflicts. As well, adolescents who suffered trauma are at risk of academic failure, dropping out of school, and substance abuse. Our program purposefully addresses these issues in an effort to stop the cycle of violence.
Transitional Housing Program
Many of the women who turn to Nellie’s for support are homeless or facing eviction. And, once they find housing, many factors can contribute to their struggle to maintain it. Our Transitional Housing Program offers eviction support to help these women stay in their homes. This support may be providing guidance on accessing emergency funding to pay rent, advocating on their behalf on landlord-tenant issues, accompanying them to housing tribunal hearings, or offering referrals to legal clinics. Read about how we helped Olivia and her daughters stay in their home.
Food Program
For families in our community experiencing food insecurity, the Food Program provides fresh, pre-cooked and non-perishable food donations. This program helps about 80 families with their ability to gain and maintain stable housing and cover their basic needs and emergency expenses without going hungry. Read about our partnership with Second Harvest, which helps us run the program.
Thank you to all of our donors, large and small. The women and children in our community count on us to be there for them when they need us and we thank every single person, community organization and corporation that is helping us to do so every day.
To make a secure online donation, please visit our donation page. Or, you can make an even bigger impact by becoming a monthly donor. As a regular monthly supporter, your generosity provides critical and consistent funding towards our daily efforts to help women and their children impacted by abuse, trauma and homelessness. Automatic monthly payments are easy to set up, convenient, and create a lasting impact on the lives of women and their children at Nellie’s.
