Our current focus

Our attention is currently on uplifting unemployed immigrants. People from all over the world move to the Netherlands with hopes of participating in its booming economy. However many experience a wave of shock and depression as they wait months, even years to find work here. Even with high levels of education and years of experience, many of our immigrant clients have shared that they aren’t even asked for interviews because of discrimination against their country of origin, their uncommon name, or even the color of their skin. These months of hopeless waiting for employment have a ripple effect on the individual, their family, and their surrounding communities. We counter that with 1:1 coaching support, career programs, and community events and workshops.

To see our vision and mission in action visit Our Work.

Our story

The Empowerment Foundation was born from a longing to serve people who were unemployed and living in a foreign country. At the time, the founders were being approached by unemployed people who were in desperate situations. These people needed help, but they felt like getting help was a luxury they could not afford.

Many immigrants have no option to go back to their home countries. They’ve started a life here in the Netherlands with a partner and community. Their eager to be part of Dutch society, but they feel disconnected from society without work. While they might have years of experience and education, cultural barriers and sometimes discrimination prevent them from even getting an interview. Many go months without employment and without support in a language they understand as they’re still learning the Dutch language.

Seeing this need, the founders - Shea Harty, Jane Stephenson, and Flor de Maria Paredes Mattos - got together and started offering free coaching sessions and career workshops for unemployed immigrants in the Netherlands. The workshops and coaching helped people who were on the brink of depression and isolating themselves connect with others and find hope for their situation again. Clients began to see how they had power, even in difficult situations.

The organization began growing and expanding across the country. Dedicated volunteers helped run all the workshops, coaching, and the necessary marketing to let people know how they could get the help they needed. During the pandemic years, we moved our services online and saw that our impact could reach beyond borders. Thus, what used to be known as Empower Amsterdam became the Empowerment Foundation you see today.

In 2021, Jane stepped down from the board. Today Shea and Flor drive the strategic and creative vision for the Empowerment Foundation.

What’s next?

Our team of directors is hard at work expanding our reach beyond the Netherlands to help as many people as possible access valuable resources. We’ve broadened our mission and vision so that we can empower as many people as possible to change their circumstances from surviving to thriving; in a space that is supportive, accepting, and diverse. This means more events and programs.