Early in 2021, we created a new position here at Nellie’s—Program Director. Because for almost 50 years, we have been so much more than a bed; we have helped women and their children address their longer-term needs through our outreach programs and services designed to foster learning and support. By creating this new role, we can better meet the changing and complex needs of our community.
Jiin Yiong started at the end of February and is no stranger to Nellie’s. Over 20 years ago, she worked as a relief counsellor at Nellie’s before transitioning to a full-time counsellor and then as Nellie’s first transitional support worker helping women secure affordable housing in the community. From there, she moved on to management roles at other shelters and organizations in the social services sector across the Greater Toronto Area.
“Being a part of supporting women through their trauma is very difficult but it’s my passion,” says Jiin. “I’m very excited to come back with the skills I’ve gained throughout the years and give back to what Nellie’s has given me.”
Jiin explained that there are two types of programs at Nellie’s—educational and leisure. Educational programs are critical because the women at Nellie’s need to make informed decisions to take the brave steps towards accomplishing the next chapter in their lives. For example, workshops on family court and the court system help women understand what to expect when they go to court and the implications of certain rulings. Leisure programs, on the other hand, are just that—more relaxed and casual. These include cooking programs, self-care workshops and drop-ins.
“These types of programs are so important because often it’s through our leisure programs that staff begin to build trust with the women living at Nellie’s,” says Jiin, adding that most of the women need to build that trust before taking the first steps towards the educational programs.
Our Children’s Program, which gives kids a safe space to express their feelings and work through their emotions in an age-appropriate way, is also under her programming umbrella. The goal of this program, Jiin says, is to provide support, trust and education to the children who come to Nellie’s with their moms so that we can break the cycle of violence and so that they know that what their mom has gone through is not okay and is not their fault.
As we prepare to move to our new shelter later this year, Jiin sees many opportunities for program growth. She’s currently assessing the needs of those in Nellie’s community and exploring new ideas for programs and services. And, even though the new shelter means Nellie’s will have more space designated for programming and counselling (as well as several spaces dedicated for children’s programming), she’s learned from the isolation caused by the pandemic that alternate forms of engaging programming are just as necessary. She’s currently also considering those options.
“For the general public who has never witnessed family violence and the impact of that, it’s easy to think a woman can just leave and everything will be okay,” says Jiin. “But in reality, sometimes leaving is the easiest part. It’s the rebuilding to be independent that is the hardest part and that’s what our programs help with.”
To support our programs for women and their children, 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.
For more information on supporting Nellie’s move to the new shelter, please contact Ingrid Graham, Director of Development at Ingrid@nellies.org or at 416-645-1419.
