Racha El-Dib, founder and Executive Director of Nadia’s Hope Foundation, leads an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Established in 2018 and gaining charity status by 2020, the foundation focuses on creating a safe and supportive community through education, advocacy, and outreach. The foundation aims to break the stigma around domestic violence, inspired by the tragic loss of Racha’s sister, Nadia, who was a victim of intimate partner violence. Initially, Racha faced challenges navigating the non-profit world, but with growing community support, government backing, and increased public awareness, Nadia’s Hope Foundation has expanded its reach across Canada.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Our mission is to create a safe and supportive community that promotes healing and growth for survivors of domestic abuse. Through education, advocacy, and outreach, we aim to increase awareness about the impact of domestic abuse on individuals, families, and communities, and work towards preventing and ending all forms of domestic abuse.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We aim to relieve the stigma around domestic violence and abuse by speaking about Nadia’s story, through education and awareness.
When did you start/join it?
March 2018, became a non-profit in April 2019, a registered charity in March 2020
What made you want to get involved?
I started this organization after my sister Nadia’s murder in March 2018 in Calgary. I wanted her story to be told and not have her be another statistic of a woman killed at the hands of intimate partner violence.
What was the situation like when you started?
Everything was so fresh and I was new to the world of non-profits and advocacy. I felt alone at first and unsure of how I could use my voice to help others.
How has it changed since?
I’ve had a lot of support from people in our community, the government, and the Police service in our province. From people hearing about Nadia’s story, they have reached out wanting to help in however way they can. Becoming a charity has opened many doors including the ability to take in donations, and expand outreach across Canada. I am very grateful and thankful to everyone who has helped and volunteered.
What more needs to be done?
There needs to be more awareness and more funding for grassroots organizations that want to help victims of domestic violence and abuse. We need more government involvement and more policies and changes to keep women safe. We need more reach and availability of resources so people aren’t afraid to reach out for help.
How can our readers help?
Donations are always welcomed and appreciated, but even following us on social media and sharing our posts would be very helpful. Helping also involves learning and educating yourself around the topic of domestic abuse/violence, so that you can help those around you and be able to refer them to resources.
Do you have any events coming up?
We have an event coming up on October 5th, to speak about domestic abuse/violence towards seniors. More info coming soon!
Where can we follow you?
Nadia’s Hope Foundation | Non-Profit Helping Victims of Domestic Abuse (nadiashopefoundation.com) Nadia’s Hope Foundation (@nadias_hope) • Instagram photos and videos
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Shoutout to Gems for Gems, another great organization helping victims of domestic violence and abuse.
