The Institute for Family Well-being (IFW) provides shelter and access to vocational training, counselling, advocacy, and job placement for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
IFW is first and foremost a safe, loving, comfortable, and clean home where survivors of some of the worst atrocities can find peace, rest, and hope.
Who We Serve
IFW is a home for women and children who are escaping domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Survivors are referred by local NGOs or other allies of IFW. We strive to give each woman and child who comes to IFW a chance to live a hopeful and meaningful new life.
Abuse leaves deep wounds, and its effects can be carried into every aspect of life. IFW believes in restoring the dignity and hope to the lives of each woman in its shelter.
Our Stories
Each woman who comes to IFW has a unique story. They come from all walks of life. Some are young, unmarried, or newly married. Others are middle-aged or elders. Some have never spent a day in school, while others hold Master's degrees. Some are wealthy, some are poor.
The reality of abuse can be painful to see, but we hope that these stories can help to spread understanding, and to break the stigma of silence that too often surrounds abuse and sexual exploitation, and we hope that they can begin a new narrative of healing and restoration.
What
We Do
The services provided by IFW are necessarily specific to the situation of each individual. Our goal is not to try to fit women into a cookie-cutter program, but to empower them to achieve their dreams and reach their highest potential.
Love and Encouragement
All guests at IFW are assigned a mentor or a counsellor. Mentors are mature and caring members of the community who meet bi-weekly with their mentees to be a listening ear in their struggles and to encourage them in healthy decision-making. Counsellors are trained professionals who work to help survivors recover from the trauma that they have faced.
Education and Employment
According to their need, IFW places women in educational programs, vocational training, or safe employment.
Legal Aid
For women with ongoing legal complications, we connect them to lawyers and coordinate with these groups to ensure proper handling of their case.
Medical and Psychiatric Care
For women with medical or psychiatric needs, IFW coordinates with doctors to ensure quality care and medication adherence.
Above All, a Home
IFW is first and foremost, a safe, loving, comfortable, and clean home where survivors of some of the worst atrocities can find peace, rest, and hope.
