Created in 2012, by Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, The Natalie Novak Youth Award supports and honours former youth residents of the shelter who have shown courage, determination and willingness to be a role model for their peers and to be continuing in post secondary education.

The award in Natalie’s name reminds us of the significant challenges that so many young people encounter.

Ernestine’s has been supporting women and children for 33 years.

ernestines.ca

Featured

2019 Recipient of the Natalie Novak Youth Award

Zahra Zahed grew up in Afghanistan, where she was forced to leave school at 17 by her husband. When she moved to Canada she faced domestic abuse and sought help from Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter. She is now a single mother who is enrolled in college studying Practical Nursing. She is an amazing and inspiring young woman!

2018 Recipient of the Natalie Novak Youth Award

Elizabeth Powell moved to Canada in 2014, joining her mother, two younger siblings and her stepfather. She quickly realized that her mother was being physically abused and the family lived in fear of abuse and control. In April 2016 Elizabeth, her siblings and her mother fled to Ernestines Women’s Shelter. There the family found security and began to heal from the past trauma and abuse.