Different backgrounds. Shared humanity. United by compassion.
Symbolic illustration of solidarity and inclusion; not a photograph of people supported by the founder.
Compassion in action
In 2023, Sheila Onyeka Okeze began using the name ELI WOMENS AID while independently offering voluntary support to mothers and children affected by domestic abuse and hardship. Between 2023 and 2026, she personally supported more than 20 women and children, using her own money, time and skills, without grants, public donations or fundraising.
Her support reflected the practical and emotional challenges families face when rebuilding their lives. It included help with housing-related correspondence, communication relating to specialist domestic abuse services, disability-benefit matters and essential household needs.
Housing and everyday essentialsHelping with housing-related letters and arranging or discussing furniture, clothing, shoes, handbags and household necessities.
Support for mothers and childrenRecognising children's needs and celebrating milestones, including personally purchasing graduation gifts.
Disability-related guidanceProviding encouragement and practical assistance with matters relating to Personal Independence Payment (PIP); decisions are made by the DWP.
Dignity and confidenceOffering free hair styling during Mental Health Awareness Week to help women feel cared for and confident.
This is the founder's personal pre-registration experience, not a claim that a registered CIO provided these services. ELI WOMENS AID is not currently a registered charity.
From danger to safety. From safety to independence.
The name ELI honours Sheila’s daughters, Eliora and Eliona, who also experienced the effects of domestic abuse. It also holds personal biblical meaning for the founder. Her Christian faith inspires her compassion, but ELI WOMENS AID is independent and welcomes women and children of every faith and none. Faith-based connections are always optional and never a condition of support.
In her personal voluntary work beginning in 2023, Sheila helped women identify and access refuge accommodation, including women who faced immigration-related barriers. She helped women navigate requests for assistance under the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC). Immigration advice and applications requiring regulated advice should be handled by appropriately qualified professionals; the concession does not guarantee accommodation or permanent immigration status.
Once women were safely accommodated, Sheila shared information about local charities, including The Salvation Army, where they could seek donated clothing, pots, pans and other everyday necessities. She also encouraged women to pursue education and employment opportunities, helped with CV preparation, and supported household resettlement, personal care and children's milestones.
Her experiences shaped a distinctive ambition: continuing aftercare after refuge and rehousing, so that mothers and children have practical pathways towards stability, dignity and independence. The proposed organisation aims to support education, employment readiness, essential household needs, appropriate professional referrals and community connection, subject to resources and safeguarding arrangements.
Our commitment: support is inclusive, respectful and voluntary. Women are never required to participate in religious activities. The founder’s past personal assistance is not presented as services delivered by a registered charity. ELI WOMENS AID is not yet a registered CIO, and the proposed services are not currently guaranteed or available as an emergency response.
