Summer Placement At NYWC Brings Personal Growth And Positive Impact

For Shequera Powell, empowering women in her community is more than just a passion, it’s a commitment to fostering resilience and creating lasting change. This commitment led her to take on a summer role as a Women’s Support Worker at NYWC, where she could make a meaningful impact.

“I was drawn to North York Women’s Centre (NYWC) because of its comprehensive approach to supporting women in underserved communities,” says Shequera. “As a local in this community myself, I felt that working at NYWC would give me the opportunity to give back, and support women that come from similar backgrounds.”

Helping Toronto Women in Different Ways

As a Women’s Support Worker this summer, Shequera helped facilitate and deliver several of the Centre’s services including the Women’s Empowerment Series, the Women’s Lounge drop in session and 1:1 support to women. She also helped host some of the Centre’s summer events, from a yoga session to a painting workshop.

“I have had the opportunity to work on the program team and assist with a variety of projects, as well as some strategic planning initiatives,” says Shequera. “I have been able to engage with AP’s from various walks of life, and help update our program content to ensure that we are delivering culturally relevant programs that align with the goals and needs of the community we serve.”

AP Stands For The Awesome People Using NYWC Services

At NYWC, we recognize the importance of language and the need to treat our service users with care, dignity, and respect. That’s why we use the term AP, which stands for Awesome People. This term reflects the Centre’s commitment to offering inclusive and personalized care for everyone.

“I love the fact that we call our service users AP’s, which stands for “awesome people, ” exclaims Shequera. “Our AP’s are always our number one priority, and at the forefront of all the work that we do. I appreciate NYWC’s willingness to meet AP’s wherever they are in their journey, and provide resources to assist with barriers they may experience.”

Putting Knowledge Into Practice

As a facilitator for NYWC programs, Shequera works closely with women to deliver our Women’s Empowerment Series. This program is designed to help women build self-esteem and self-confidence, develop effective communication skills, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Her background in psychology and health equity, combined with her experience in program facilitation, has helped her to step into the role of Women’s Support Worker authentically and effectively.

“I have been able to apply the psychological theories that I have learned to a practical setting in our Women’s Empowerment Series when discussing boundary setting, self compassion, fight, flight, fawn, and freeze responses,” says Shequera. “Additionally, I have been able to apply my knowledge around the social determinants of health and better understand the first-hand impacts that the lack of safe/affordable housing, employment, and access to education and mental health/accessibility resources can have on someone’s quality of life.”

Moving Experiences, Immeasurable Impact

While working on the Women’s Empowerment Series, Powell has experienced many moving and memorable encounters with participants.

“One of the most moving experiences at NYWC was witnessing participants in the Women’s Empowerment Series transform from feeling isolated or shy to confidently contributing to group discussions and supporting their peers,” says Shequera. “Through the program’s support and workshops, many women discover their own potential and improve their self-esteem and confidence. Their journey from uncertainty to empowerment highlights the profound impact of these programs, demonstrating how targeted support can ignite personal growth and inspire positive change in both individuals and their communities.”

If you’re interested in a student placement opportunity, check out this page. NYWC is committed to providing empowering and accessible programs and resources for women. Please spread the word and consider donating today!