 'Empower Hour' is very exciting! It has the potential to make a real impact in the lives of women affected by poverty by building self-esteem and confidence and inspiring a desire to succeed. And, it's also well known that investing in the capabilities of one young woman today is really an investment in the next hundred years.
The Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, in partnership with Good Shepherd Brennan House, has developed and launched a 10 week series of workshops and activities called Empower Hour. This program engages young women affected by poverty in enhancing basic life skills through self discovery. We believe that through this informal learning we can contribute to increasing participants educational success, helping to break the cycle of poverty for these young women.
 Session Highlights:
 Getting To Know You - Games Galore. Provides a fun way for the participants and facilitators to meet and start building a relationship
Learn about "You've Got Personality". Participants learn to recognize and appreciate their own and others unique strengths and preferences and celebrate the differences between people.
Cook and Eat and Healthy Meal. While preparing and cooking a small meal with foods usually found in a food bank, participants learn  about the importance of a balance diet and proper nutrition.
Tips and Tricks for Skin Care and Make-up. An interactive session of skin care techniques and make-up application, all promoting increased self esteem.
Meditation and Wellness. While engaging in relaxation techniques, participants learn the impact of these on mind and body health.
What is this "Sex" thing. Discussion of healthy relationships and behaviour
Bring out the Artist in You. Art therapy
Let's Get Physical. Empowerment through physical exercise and challenge
 Flexibility is key to success with this initiative. Components are developed and amended according to the specific needs of the participants. The program also incorporates fun activities that provide opportunities for discussion about what's working, what isn't and what's missing.
 "The Empower Hour of the Junior League inspires women with the courage to break free from the chains of limitations and gives the young women the tools to see their true beauty and power. This is done through self help tools, self discovery, information, encouragement and inspiration as a guide on the journey of reclaiming their power as young women that may have been hindered by challenging life circumstances. The young women at Good Shepherd Brennan House are encouraged to see and bring forth the beauty and strength from within themselves and are inspired to be the best they can be." Loretta Hill-Finamore, Director Good Shepherd Youth Services.
Brennan House is a 15 bed, co-ed transitional residence for youth, 16-20 years of age, that supports young people at risk as they transition from homelessness to independence. Residents are expected to establish their own personal goals with the aid of Youth Support Workers.
Brennan House residents and staff join in the celebrations at the JLHB 2011 Award Dinner.
2010 Notre Dame graduation day.
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