The Fellowship Program is an empowerment initiative designed to support women experiencing housing insecurity and complex life challenges. It provides a safe, supportive environment where participants can strengthen confidence, rebuild a sense of personal agency and reconnect with community.
The program recognises that progress looks different for every woman. By prioritising trust, choice and participant voice, the Fellowship creates space for women to engage at their own pace, reconnect with their strengths and rebuild belief in what is possible for their futures.
The Fellowship Program has demonstrated clear and consistent positive outcomes across all areas measured, with particularly strong gains in confidence, personal agency and social connection.
Evaluation shows that participants experienced meaningful shifts in how they view themselves and their capacity to shape their own lives. These outcomes represent more than skill development — they form critical foundations for longer‑term goals such as employment, education, community participation and sustained wellbeing.
Impact was assessed using a trauma‑informed evaluation approach that combined:
While baseline and final surveys used different question phrasing to reflect participants’ stage of engagement, responses were mapped into consistent outcome domains. This approach enabled meaningful comparison over time while respecting the realities of recovery and engagement. Findings aligned closely with facilitator observations and participant feedback.
Importantly, the Fellowship reinforces that progress is not always linear. Creating safe, supportive environments where women feel respected and empowered is central to achieving lasting change.
The Women’s Housing Company gratefully acknowledges George and Jaqui Maree Stamas, whose generous support made the Fellowship Program possible. Their investment continues to create pathways for women to move beyond crisis and towards lives defined by stability, connection and opportunity.
