Neurodivergent Youth Summer Hang-outs!
For girls and gender-diverse youth ages 11-16
We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Neurodivergent Empowerment Program Summer Hang-Outs. We will be having two separate events: a Deserted Island themed social with activities, crafting, and movie, and a local community trip with ice cream (more details coming).
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Who: Girls and gender-diverse youth ages 11-16 who are neurodivergent or believe they might be neurodivergent—no diagnosis required.
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When: July 27th, 2026 from 10:30-2:30 pm AND August 3rd, 2026 from 10:30-2:30 pm
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Where: North Shore Women’s Centre; 131 2nd St E, North Vancouver, BC V7L 1C2.
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What: The Neurodivergent Empowerment Program is a free, educational, social, and fun community-based program that:
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Celebrates neurodiversity and individual strengths
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Fosters friendships and a sense of belonging.
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Provides a safe and supportive space to learn and grow.​
Whether participants have ADHD, Autism (ASD), OCD, or other neurodivergent traits—this program offers a warm and inclusive environment where everyone is valued just as they are.
Neurodivergent Youth Empowerment Program
For self-identified girls and gender-diverse youth
REGISTRATION FOR OUR FALL PROGRAM WILL RE-OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2026.
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We are so thrilled to announce that our Neurodivergent Youth Empowerment Program will be starting up again this February, thanks to the support of YVR for Kids and a private funder.
We will be continuing to build off of the strong foundation of the Neurodiversity and Girls project from 2024-2025 that was funded by the Canadian Women's Foundation and its partners (for more info, see below).
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This program was such a success that left participants, their parents/guardians, and all of us involved, feeling empowered and fulfilled. We are so happy that we get to do this again!
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Who:
Neurodivergent girls and gender-diverse youth ages 11-13 (no diagnosis needed)
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When:
Every Tuesday starting February 24th to May 12th from 3:30-5:30pm (not including Spring Break dates)
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Where:
The North Shore Women’s Centre, located at 131 East 2nd Street, North Vancouver.
What can you expect?​
This free, educational, social, and fun community-based program is a chance to make friends, learn new things, and connect with a community that values you just as you are! Whether participants have ADHD, autism, OCD, or other neurodivergent traits, this program offers a warm and inclusive environment. The youth will have discussions on their lived experiences, take part in fun activities, all in a neuro-affirming environment. Snacks and drinks are provided.
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For more questions, feel free to email Youth Programming Coordinator, Nilou, at empowerment@northshorewomen.ca.
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Neurodivergent Empowerment Program
(2024-2025)
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For self-identified girls and gender-diverse youth
The Neurodivergent Empowerment Program started as part of a one-year pilot project about Neurodiversity and Girls Empowerment funded by the Canadian Women's Foundation and its partners.
The program was for self-identified girls and gender-diverse youth in Grades 6-7 who are neurodivergent or curious about learning more— no diagnosis required.
The group ran once per week for 10 weeks, from mid-February to mid-May at the North Shore Women’s Centre. It was facilitated by Emily Nold and Nilou Abrishami.
This free, educational, social, and fun community-based program is a chance to make friends, learn new things, and connect with a community that values you just as you are! Whether participants have ADHD, autism, OCD, or other neurodivergent traits, this program offers a warm and inclusive environment.
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Project Coordinator - Emily Nold
As a queer and neurodivergent individual, Emily brings lived experience and a passion for inclusivity to her work, to create a program that celebrates neurodiversity, fosters self-confidence, and builds community. Emily grew up in Washington state, moving to Vancouver to obtain a bachelor's degree in marketing from UBC. She has experience working in the startup and non-profit space, alongside teaching preschool ballet classes in community centers across Vancouver and leading bicycle tours through Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown. Outside of work, she loves collecting books from thrift stores, spending time with her cat, and finding creative ways to reconnect people with art and history.
This program has been supported with a grant from the Canadian Women's Foundation and its partners.