What’s Your Story

By Vlad Umnov Lourdes calls herself a “very strong woman”. A few years ago, she lost everything – her independence, her home, her mobility. But you would never believe it if you met this smiling, energetic woman.  Lourdes came to Canada from Mexico City in the 1990s. “I have been living in this beautiful country …

Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto has a lot of angels: Lourdes’ Story  Read More »

By Claudia Porras Life showed Ana Maria a difficult side when, during a long and painful recovery from cancer, her daughter moved out and Ana Maria was left to meet her rehabilitation challenges alone. With limited financial resources, she had to find a new home, and then on top of that, she did not speak …

I dream of becoming independent again, feeling useful: Ana Maria’s Story Read More »

By Victor Kwawukume Ruth migrated to Canada with her family of three kids aged eight, 10 and 12 for greener pastures but upon arrival, pursuing her vision presented many challenges and frustrations. But one word from a counsellor at the Centre changed her life for good. Ruth left her home country of the Dominican Republic …

One word that brought change to life: Ruth’s Story Read More »

Fatima, 29, arrived in Canada 5 years ago, breathing a heavy sigh of relief and relishing the opportunities for a new and better life. Two years later, she began to realize that dreaming of moving to Canada and settling in once arriving here were two completely different things. Then in a timely moment, a friend …

MNLCT provided me with a family that I did not have in my new country: Fatima’s Story Read More »

Ten years ago, Cinthia left her home to start a new life in Canada. She spent nine of those years chasing dreams that remained fleeting. She felt like she was surrounded by a large body of water and yet she remained thirsty. There were moments when she would question her decision to migrate to Canada. …

You made me feel valuable in a moment of vulnerability: Cinthia’s Story Read More »

“I did not see it coming. I had not the faintest idea. If someone had told me that within a twinkle of an eye my life was going to change in a way I never imagined, I would have labelled that person the greatest liar of the century because for me it was just a …

I feel more confident to independently address basic life needs: Victor’s Story Read More »

Noureddin Zin’s journey in Canada has been a struggle, but he’s determined to make a difference. Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, more than 12 million people have been displaced and over half are scattered around the globe. As part of its world humanitarian efforts, the Canadian government, in November 2015, pledged to …

Education is key to success: Noureddin’s Story Read More »

Uma Viswanathan talks about her career success after recently graduating from the mental health bridging program. After completing the BREM program, I was immediately hired as a First Call Care Counsellor at Homewood Health. I am happy to be working as a part of the Client Service Team providing counselling under the Wellness Together Canada Project. We …

After completing the BREM program, I was immediately hired: Uma’s Story Read More »

By Miles Hamzi “If someone told me I was going to become a chef 15 years ago, I would have told them they were crazy.” Cooking was never Erika’s forte, at least not when she was working as an accomplished surgical nurse at a government hospital in Mexico. Erika and her husband came to Canada …

As an immigrant, I feel I can give back something unique and special: Erika’s Story Read More »