Transforming Lives Through Economic Mobility
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EMPower is Juno’s flagship program for economic independence and trauma recovery, supporting women, trans and gender-diverse people to rebuild their lives after experiences of homelessness and family violence.
The approach is informed by the neuroscience of trauma and supports people to strengthen executive functioning skills, including the ability to plan, make decisions and set goals, that can be impacted by trauma, stress and poverty.
The model acknowledges how structural inequality and discrimination can impact decision-making, and supports participants to build skills and confidence to achieve their long-term goals.
Watch this short video to find out more about the program:
Juno’s EMPower Program.
EMPower is based on a proven model developed by EMPath (Economic Mobility Pathways), a Boston-based organisation. Juno has adapted the model for the Australian context, and has been recognised as a global “Knowledge Leader” for our work.
Program Structure
- Coaching Sessions: Medium – Long term person-centered and trauma-informed coaching
- Goal Setting: Goals across housing, wellbeing, career and education, financial capability, employment and family stability
- SMART Goals and Incentives: Structured goal setting and incentives to foster motivation, monitor progress and celebrate achievements
- Executive Functioning Skills: Strengthening skills such as planning, decision-making and goal setting through ongoing support and recognition
- Peer Support Groups: Connection and peer support groups, along with skill-building workshops, reinforce coaching goals and create a positive network of social support
EMPower not only builds financial independence, but also increases a sense of agency, self-determination, and confidence, paving the way for stronger and thriving futures.
‘The future looked like a jigsaw before I joined EMPower, and now all of the pieces are slowly, carefully and happily being put into place.’ – EMPower Participant
EMPower Resources
EMPower Practice Guide
The purpose of this practice guide is to document the theories, philosophy, evidence base, and practice approaches that underpin Juno’s economic mobility coaching program EMPower. This guide supports coaches and practitioners with a clear framework to ensure their approach is evidence-based and trauma-informed.
- Part One: Background and Theory
- Part Two: The Spirit of Coaching
- Part Three: Practicalities, Tools and Processes
EMPower Theory of Change
The EMPower Theory of Change illustrates how what we do creates change. Reading from the bottom up, it sets out the EMPower program’s key activities and the outcomes we aim to influence. It illustrates the causal pathways from our activities, through a series of interim outcomes, to the ultimate impacts for participants on the journey to economic independence.
For inquiries about EMPower please email the EMPower Team on or phone 03 8692 2020.
Partner with Us
This project is proudly funded by Juno, the City of Darebin’s Community Grants Program, Inner North Community Foundation and Pierogi Studio. A huge thanks to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, ANZ Community Foundation and Phyllis Connor Memorial Trust (administered by Equity Trustees) for their prior support of this program.
Brodie Nalywajko
Food Director, Pierogi StudioWe are currently seeking additional investment partners to support the continued delivery and growth of EMPower. To explore partnership opportunities, please contact our team at .
