South Africa, Aug. 6 -- Founded in 1922, Frida Hartley is one of Johannesburg's oldest shelters for vulnerable women, but its true distinction lies in its philosophy. One of the few shelters where mothers can remain with their children while rebuilding their lives, it provides counselling, childcare, career guidance, financial literacy, computer training and employment support to help women regain independence.

Many former residents have gone on to secure employment, establish independent homes and even return to support the shelter that helped them. It is a model built on empowerment rather than dependency.

Led by Cheryl Hlabane, who left the corporate world to dedicate herself to vulnerable women and children, the shelter has become f...