Connecting Through Change – an Integrated Support Model

Connecting Through Change is a case management model which provides our women with integrated support. It combines individual case management from our social workers with group work. Group work provides opportunities for connection with peers as well as healing.

Feedback from group participants:

“It exceeded my expectations, great content, amazing facilitation, met some good friends.” 

“That I am not the perpetrator, that I was acting out of resistance.” 

Women present to Lou’s with high levels of structural disadvantage. More than half experience financial hardship. Many are either experiencing homelessness or housing risk (approximately 25% are in stable housing). About half of the women face mental health and/or drug and alcohol challenges, and many have limited social support. 

Support is delivered in a flexible, low-barrier way. The key areas of focus include domestic and family violence safety planning, housing advocacy, emotional support and service coordination. 

This scale of support reflects the importance of consistent, accessible engagement, particularly for women with limited external support.