Newcastle Permanent employees have made the Empowerment Circle initiative possible. Created by Got Your Back Sista, the program will be used to build community, strength and healing among survivors of domestic violence.
The 90-minute support sessions are led by a registered counsellor, participants learn skills such as resilience, self-care and kindness to self and others as a way to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence.
The initiative has been facilitated by a donation of almost $13,000 from Newcastle Permanent employees.
For Frankie, a participant of the Empowerment Circle, the program is also an opportunity to connect with other women.
“The Empowerment Circle is a chance for women like me who have experienced domestic violence to come together and share our stories, talk about issues we’re facing or particular emotional struggles we’re having,” Ms Grandilis said.
“It was a real lightbulb moment for me as I realised I couldn’t continue to be shrouded in guilt, I had to step up and take charge of our situation and make the hard call, knowing that children are resilient and what they needed from me was stability, not guilt.”
Newcastle Permanent employees donate over $50,000 via payroll deductions each year and nominate charities they believe deserve support through the company’s CommunityAssist Employee Donation Program. Employees then vote to select four charities each year to receive funding.
Kirsten Lyndon, Manager, Partnerships and Community Engagement at Newcastle Permanent, said Got Your Back Sista was a popular choice for employees to put their donation towards.
“We love that Got Your Back Sista provides the tools for people to take care of themselves, all while creating a strong sense of togetherness to show that no one needs to be alone,” said Ms Lyndon.