About Us
Vision, Mission & Values
Building a Future Free of Gender-Based Violence
Moving into our next 50 years, we have big ambitions. Here’s how we intend to ensure that both our current clients and future generations are equipped for a brighter future.
Our Vision
Nellie’s vision is to be a place where every woman* and her child(ren) who step through our doors finds a pathway to a violence-free life, and to advocate to ensure gender-based violence and oppression is a relic of the past.
Our Mission
Nellie’s breaks the cycle of gender-based oppression through our unwavering commitment to offering a safe refuge for women and their children fleeing violence, poverty, and homelessness. Beyond safe housing, we empower women with advocacy, strength and support-based programming, enabling them to create a new path for life, free from the barriers of violence and oppression.
Our Values
Our values guide us in everything we do as we work toward achieving our vision.
Empowerment
We believe in the inherent strength and resilience of every woman we serve. Empowerment is at the core of our values, as we work with survivors and their children to regain their power and autonomy.
Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression
We are resolute in our stance against racism, oppression, and discrimination. We actively work to dismantle systemic prejudices and injustices that perpetuate gender-based violence, promoting a just and fair society for all.
Compassion
Compassion is the driving force behind our work. We approach every individual with empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to healing, understanding the unique experiences and needs of each survivor.
Equity
We are committed to giving every woman equitable access to resources, support, and opportunities.
Inclusion
All women and their children are welcomed and respected. We actively work to ensure all voices are heard and valued.
Our Strategic Plan 2023-2028
Since 1973, Nellie’s has been providing shelter and support to all women and their
children fleeing violence, intimate partner abuse, trauma, and homelessness. As a leader in the gender-based violence sector, we are committed to social change through education and advocacy, and to providing vital programs and services to meet immediate, specific, and emerging needs every day.
In celebrating our story so far, our 2023-2028 strategic plan embraces the opportunities ahead, enabling us to meet both the current and future needs of those in our community with kindness, compassion, and excellence.
Sector Advocacy, Education & Leadership
We will advocate for systems change. We will do so by actively participating with intersecting planning advocacy tables, strengthening our leadership capabilities across the organization, and deepening our collaboration with other shelters and housing partners.
Organizational Culture
We will support our diverse community of clients by fostering a healthy, engaged organization with a stable, skilled, and cohesive team. We will do so with a strategy to support employee recruitment, retention, recognition, and well-being, and invest in annual employee training and development.
Sustainability and Growth
We will evolve to meet current and anticipated operational needs. We will do so by updating infrastructure, policies, and procedures, bolstering evaluation capabilities, and strengthening financial and fundraising strategies.
Our Focus on These Strategic Priorities Will:
• Support women and their children who are experiencing violence
• Build healthier, more peaceful communities
• Advocate for justice