George and Jaqui Maree Stamas Fellowship

Supporting women to build confidence, connection and agency

The Fellowship Program is an empowerment initiative designed to support women experiencing housing insecurity and complex life challenges. It provides a safe, supportive environment where participants can strengthen confidence, rebuild a sense of personal agency and reconnect with community.

The program recognises that progress looks different for every woman. By prioritising trust, choice and participant voice, the Fellowship creates space for women to engage at their own pace, reconnect with their strengths and rebuild belief in what is possible for their futures.

Program Impact

The Fellowship Program has demonstrated clear and consistent positive outcomes across all areas measured, with particularly strong gains in confidence, personal agency and social connection.

Evaluation shows that participants experienced meaningful shifts in how they view themselves and their capacity to shape their own lives. These outcomes represent more than skill development — they form critical foundations for longer‑term goals such as employment, education, community participation and sustained wellbeing.

Impact was assessed using a trauma‑informed evaluation approach that combined:

  • Attendance and completion data
  • Voluntary participant surveys conducted at different stages of the program
  • Reflections and observations from facilitators

While baseline and final surveys used different question phrasing to reflect participants’ stage of engagement, responses were mapped into consistent outcome domains. This approach enabled meaningful comparison over time while respecting the realities of recovery and engagement. Findings aligned closely with facilitator observations and participant feedback.

Importantly, the Fellowship reinforces that progress is not always linear. Creating safe, supportive environments where women feel respected and empowered is central to achieving lasting change.

The Women’s Housing Company gratefully acknowledges George and Jaqui Maree Stamas, whose generous support made the Fellowship Program possible. Their investment continues to create pathways for women to move beyond crisis and towards lives defined by stability, connection and opportunity.

News & Stories

Belonging, community and the power of being “All In”

A tenant’s reflections of homelessness and connection For Katrina, a First Nations woman living on Gumbaynggirr Country (Coffs Harbour), Reconciliation Week is not an abstract idea – it lives in the everyday connections that have helped her rebuild her life. Growing up in the region from the age of eight, she has formed a deep […]

June 1, 2026

Rebuilding after homelessness

What does support look like after securing a home at Women’s Housing Company? For many women, the journey to safe and secure housing has been shaped by years of abuse, instability and uncertainty. These experiences can deeply impact a woman’s confidence, sense of self and belief in what is possible for her future. A safe […]

May 26, 2026

Media release

A Safe Home Changes Everything: Women’s Housing Company launches fundraising campaign to support women in crisis SYDNEY, NSW, 19 May 2026 – The Women’s Housing Company has launched a new fundraising campaign, A Safe Home Changes Everything, calling on the community to support women and children experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence and financial crisis. Developed […]

May 19, 2026
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The Women’s Housing Company acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate, and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

George and Jaqui Maree Fellowship