The Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) provides Shasta Women’s Refuge (SWR) shelter residents with the information, time for healing, and skill development they need to remove themselves and their children from the cycle of domestic violence and to be self-sufficient. 

Volunteer professionals, other agency representatives and SWR staff facilitate the program. PEP includes classes/support groups, evaluations and a library. Classes/groups are offered on topics such as, domestic violence education and support, self-esteem, healthy relationships, substance abuse, boundary setting, art, journaling and employment resources. 

Group attendance is mandatory. Each class must be able to stand on its own as the shelter population can change from day to day. There is a library with self-help videos and books available to the residents, volunteer facilitators and staff. The facilitators use the library materials to help prepare for their groups/classes and the residents are welcome to check out materials to enhance their learning from the groups/classes.