Women, trans and gender diverse people in Melbourne’s north experience some of Victoria’s highest rates of family violence, homelessness and financial insecurity. Many leave crisis services still living in poverty, in unstable housing, and without the long-term support needed to rebuild confidence, skills and economic security—often resulting in ongoing cycles of homelessness.
EMPower is Juno’s flagship program designed to address this gap. It supports women, trans and gender diverse people on low incomes to recover from trauma and build safe, stable and economically secure futures for themselves and their families. The program is grounded in the neuroscience of trauma and focuses on rebuilding executive functioning skills commonly affected by violence, chronic stress and poverty.
Adapted from the internationally recognised Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) model, EMPower works across six interconnected domains essential to long-term independence: income and employment, housing stability, financial management, education and career, wellbeing, and family stability. The model recognises the impacts of structural inequality and discrimination, supporting participants to rebuild strengths, regain agency and pursue long-term goals.
Participants are supported by a dedicated coach over 12–18 months through trauma-informed, person-centred coaching that builds confidence, capability and genuine economic mobility and lasting stability.
Participants achieve measurable improvements in safety, stability and economic independence. Independent evaluation demonstrates strong outcomes: 100% of participants secured safe, sustainable housing; all moved above the poverty line; income increased by 46%; median savings grew by 326%; 83% of participants in the labour force were employed at program completion; and 76% reported improved wellbeing.
The program supports improved housing stability and safety, increased financial capability, strengthened executive functioning, progress toward sustainable employment or education, strengthened wellbeing and confidence, and reduced isolation through stronger family and community connections, with each participant demonstrating sustained movement toward greater independence and reduced risk of returning to crisis.
Impact is measured using tools adapted from EMPath’s Bridge to Self-Sufficiency® framework, tracking progress at intake, 6 and 12 months, alongside participant reflections and coaching observations. Success will be evident when participants demonstrate sustained gains and feel equipped to build a secure, independent future for themselves and their families.
EMPower uses a rigorous evaluation framework developed with For-Purpose Evaluations to measure progress and continuously strengthen the program. Quantitative data is collected at intake, 6 and 12 months using tools adapted from EMPath’s Boston-based Bridge to Self-Sufficiency® model, tracking changes across income and employment, housing stability, financial management, education and career, wellbeing and family stability. Program engagement, goal progression and reduced use of crisis services are also monitored.
Qualitative data—including participant reflections, interviews and coach observations—provides deeper insight into trauma recovery, executive functioning, confidence and decision-making. Regular supervision and reflective practice ensure fidelity to the model and surface lessons that inform improvements.
Evaluation findings are used to refine coaching practice, strengthen participant experience and contribute to sector learning. Lessons are shared with partners, community organisations and EMPath’s global learning network to build evidence for long-term, trauma-informed recovery models for women, trans and gender diverse people experiencing violence or homelessness.
Juno is a support and advocacy organisation working across Melbourne’s North. We provide gender-informed services that support women, trans, gender diverse people and their children experiencing or recovering from the impacts of homelessness and housing stress, family violence and financial insecurity.
We also advocate to raise awareness of the unique issues the people we work with face and change the systems and structures which contribute to gendered poverty, homelessness and family violence.
We have a long history of working alongside women and families, helping them secure safe accommodation, access essential resources, and rebuild their lives. Our holistic, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach supports people to find stable housing, recover from trauma, achieve financial independence, and reconnect with their communities.
Our skilled team works with a diverse range of people, including those impacted by experiences of financial disadvantage, trauma, mental health, substance use or contact with the criminal system.
Our vision is a community where all women, trans and gender diverse people and their children are safe, empowered and thriving.
