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Advocacy at Catherine House

What is advocacy?

Advocacy is about using our voice and influence to create change. It means speaking up for those who are unheard, challenging systems that perpetuate inequality, and ensuring policies and practices reflect the needs of the people they affect. 

At Catherine House, advocacy happens at every level — from frontline case workers negotiating housing and healthcare for women, to public campaigns and policy engagement that drive systemic reform. It is the bridge between individual stories and collective action, turning lived experience into lasting change. 

This year, Catherine House amplified voices, educated communities, and inspired change through over 120 speaking engagements, a transformative Ambassador Program, and a range of community and individual-based advocacy efforts.

Advocacy in Everyday Practice – Empowering Women to Advocate for Themselves

At Catherine House, advocacy is not only something we do for women — it’s something we help women do for themselves. Through education and empowerment programs, we provide the tools, resources, and knowledge to help develop the confidence women need to speak up for their rights, make informed decisions, and navigate complex systems independently.

Advocacy is also woven into the daily work of our case workers. Every day, they advocate for women to access essential goods and services. They negotiate with landlords, challenge unfair systems, and ensure women’s rights are upheld. This frontline advocacy removes barriers, restores dignity, and creates pathways to safety and independence. Next to the support workers provide, advocacy efforts drive significant change to women’s current and future lives. 

Types of advocacy case workers perform every day:

• Housing advocacy
• Legal advocacy
• Healthcare advocacy
• Financial and income advocacy
• Employment advocacy
• Policy and systems advocacy
• Safety and protection advocacy

Educating and Influencing

Our team delivered public speaking engagements across government, corporate, and community sectors, highlighting the impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) and the importance of trauma-informed recovery services. More and more community groups, businesses, and media outlets are turning to Catherine House as a trusted voice to share the ‘why’ behind our work and connect with our purpose.

Helping the Community Understand the Mothers We Support

We focused on educating the community about the unique challenges faced by mothers experiencing homelessness and violence. We shared stories that revealed the lifelong impact of DFSV and advocated for accessible, trauma-informed recovery services for women, and children they will care for when they leave our service.

Educating Young People: Schools Program — Growing Future Advocates

Our Schools Program invites students — future leaders — to understand the drivers of women’s homelessness and the role they can play in change. We engage classrooms, student leadership groups, and school communities to challenge stigma, build empathy, and foster active citizenship. 

• Advocacy

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