Stella’s Circle

When you participate or donate to the Run for Women – St. John’s, you are doing more than completing a 5K or 10K—you are walking or running in support of women’s mental health and real, lasting transformation.

Your generosity directly supports Stella’s Circle, a nationally recognized community organization based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. With your help, Stella’s Circle provides life-changing support to women facing some of the most complex barriers: mental illness, trauma, addictions, poverty, homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and more.

Funds raised from the Run for Women help power two one-of-a-kind programs in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Naomi Centre, NL’s only emergency homeless shelter for young women ages 18–29.
• Just Us Women’s Centre, the province’s only program supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system.

Together, these programs offer safe housing, trauma-informed counselling, peer support, nutritious meals, and individualized services that help women rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Your support helps provide:

• A young woman fleeing violence with a warm bed, a hot meal, and someone who believes in her.
• A mother returning from incarceration with the supports she needs to stay housed, heal from trauma, and reconnect with her children.
• Group therapy and peer support that reduce isolation and build resilience.

Stories of Strength

“When I had to leave an abusive relationship, I found safety at Naomi Centre. Today, I’m three years sober, living in my own home, and I’ve even started my own business. Stella’s Circle believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

— Former Naomi Centre resident

“After I was released from prison, I had nowhere to go. The Just Us Women’s Centre found me a place to sleep that night, helped me get income support, and even gave me clothes. The next day, I joined them for a warm Christmas breakfast. I can’t say what it meant to feel safe.”

— Just Us Women’s Centre participant

“Even when I gave up on myself, the staff at Stella’s Circle never did.”

— Program participant

When you run, when you donate, when you fundraise—you’re making sure women in our community have the support they need to reclaim their lives.

Thank you for running for women. Thank you for creating community together.