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April Lunch Club

A cheeseburger hovers above a wooden table with sparkly orange lights in the background. Title reads Lunch Club. The Empower N L logo is in the lower right corner.

Don’t miss April’s Lunch Club, where members of Empower come together to enjoy a meal at a restaurant in our community. This also gives restaurant owners a chance to learn more about making their places accessible and welcoming for everyone.

  • Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
  • Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Location: Denny’s, 227 Kenmount Road

Register here: April Lunch Club Registration Form

Cookie Decorating Fun for Easter

Piping bags, each filled with a different pastel colored icing, are arranged in a fan. Title reads Decorating Cookies for Easter. The Empower N L logo is in the lower right corner.

Join us for an afternoon of celebrating Easter!

Each member will receive Easter cookies and items to decorate their cookies.

  • Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
  • Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Location: Empower Kitchen

Register here: Easter Cookie Decorating Registration Form

The Passing of Bill 1 – An Act Respecting the Disability Advocate

Photos of Premier Wakeham, Minister Wall, and 30+ MHAs with disability advocates after the passing of Bill 1 - An Act Respecting the Disability Advocate. Below these is a photo of the Bill with the words nothing about us without us. The Empower N L logo is centered at the bottom.

Yesterday marked a significant milestone for the disability community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

With the passage of Bill 1 – An Act Respecting the Disability Advocate, we recognize the result of many years of dedicated effort by advocates, individuals with disabilities, their families, and community members across the province. We acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed to reaching this important point.

We also extend our congratulations to Premier Wakeham, Minister Wall, and their government on the passage of this legislation and for the respect and consideration shown to the disability community throughout the process.

EmpowerNL looks forward to the appointment of the Disability Advocate and the establishment of the Disability Advocate’s office. We are committed to working collaboratively to advance accessibility, support meaningful systemic change, and promote policies that improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bill 1 – An Act Respecting the Disability Advocate represents an important step toward greater inclusion.

Nothing about us without us!

Launch of Accessible Pathways to Housing

Photo of Jennifer Tipple (EHSJ), Kathy Hawkins (EmpowerNL), Chantal Perry (CAEH), Doug Pawson (EHSJ) and Mr. Tom Osborne, MP for Cape Spear posing in front of EmpowerNL and EHSJ banners. The Empower N L logo is centered at the bottom.

In partnership with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), End Homelessness St. John’s (EHSJ) and EmpowerNL have launched Accessible Pathways to Housing, which aims to reduce chronic homelessness in St. John’s for people living with Disabilities.

On Tuesday afternoon EmpowerNL was delighted to host the announcement of Accessible Pathways to Housing and are excited that EmpowerNL’s Advocacy Services have a Housing Accommodations Coordinator working on this project.

Special thanks to Mr. Tom Osborne, MP for Cape Spear, along with Chantal Perry, Improvement Advisor with the CAEH, Doug Pawson, Executive Director of EHSJ and our own Executive Director Kathy Hawkins for speaking at today’s announcement.

Learning Session – How to Use MyGovNL

A hand holds a cell phone with the MyGovNL login screen open. Title reads Learning Session - How to use MyGovNL. The Empower N L logo is in the lower right corner.

EmpowerNL is offering a free session to help you learn how to use MyGovNL.

MyGovNL is a secure online account that allows you to access many Government of Newfoundland and Labrador services in one place. You can:

• Renew your MCP card
• Update your address
• View important government information

This session will:

• Use plain language
• Provide step-by-step demonstrations
• Review online safety
• Discuss accessibility features
• Allow time for questions

All members are welcome.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: EmpowerNL Kitchen – 4 Escasoni Place
Register Here: How to Use MyGovNL Registration Form

Peer Support Group – Budgeting and Financial Literacy

Graphic of a clipboard with a budget plan attached and a money bag in front. Title reads Peer Support Group - Budgeting and Financial Literacy. The Empower N L logo is in the lower right corner.

This month’s Peer Support Group topic is budgeting and financial literacy.

Rosie Myers, Financial Empowerment Coordinator at the YWCA, will share helpful tips and practical information to help you manage your money.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Register Here: Budgeting and Financial Literacy Session Registration Form

Community Inclusion – Winter Walking Session

Two women walk on an indoor track while talking to each other. Title reads Winter Walking Session. The Empower N L logo is centered at the top.

Join us for a walk around the indoor track at the HGR Mews Centre. This is a great way to:

  • Stay active
  • Get out of the house
  • Connect with friends

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: 60 Blackler Ave, St. John’s, NL
Register Here: Winter Walking Session Registration Form – March 2026

Board and Committee Participation Information Session

Graphic of a round board table, surrounded by chairs, with a flip board displaying information. Text reads Board and Committee Participation Information Session. The Empower N L logo is in the lower right corner.

Are you interested in joining EmpowerNL’s Board of Directors or a committee?

Join Executive Director Kathy and current Board members to learn:

  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Expectations of Board and committee members
  • Why your voice and lived experience matter
  • About our connection with Independent Living Canada

This is a great chance to ask questions and hear directly from current Board members.

Event Details:

Job Fair Preparation Workshops

Graphic of two people standing, one with a telescope, one with a megaphone, and two people sitting, working on laptops. Text reads Job Fair Preparation Workshops, March 9-12. The Empower N L logo is in the lower left corner.

EmpowerNL is hosting workshops to help you prepare for upcoming job fairs. The goal is to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make a strong impression.

Event Details:

  • Dates:
    • Monday, March 9
    • Tuesday, March 10
    • Wednesday, March 11
    • Thursday, March 12
  • Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Location: EmpowerNL Kitchen – 4 Escasoni Place

To register, please email Stephen Quinn, Career Services Coordinator:

  • Email: stephen@empowernl.ca
  • Phone: 709-722-4031

International Women’s Day – Girls Day Out!

Photo of a hand with matching purple sweater and nail polish on the left. Text reads Girls Day Out! In celebration of International Women's Day. The Empower N L logo is centered at the bottom.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Members who identify as women are invited to join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon at Empower. We will:

  • Listen to music
  • Enjoy snacks
  • Take part in self-care activities (facials and nail painting)

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
  • Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Location: EmpowerNL Kitchen – 4 Escasoni Place
  • Register Here (required): Girls Day Out Registration Form