By Trudy Tumusime
When Yarlin arrived in Canada in November 2023 with her husband and two children, she hoped it would mark the beginning of a new chapter – one filled with freedom. Instead, it became what she describes as “the beginning of a very painful experience.” Fleeing the Dominican Republic, the family faced the harsh realities of the Canadian refugee system and overwhelming settlement challenges with little support.
“It was a huge change having to leave our stable lives in Dominican Republic,” Yarlin says, her voice heavy with emotion. “But we had to do it.”
With no knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system and no basic health coverage, the family found themselves in immediate need – especially with their children’s immunizations pending. Desperate and uncertain, they attended a community health outreach at a church near them, only hoping to find free medical services. What they found instead was hope.
There, they met two nurses from the Health For All Partnership (HAP) Clinic – a student nurse-led community health initiative run by the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (MNLCT) in collaboration with Humber College. The nurses offered information about vaccines and invited them to visit the clinic for further support
Yarlin recalls her first visit to the clinic with deep gratitude.
They didn’t just help us with health care,” she says. “The nurses were interested in understanding our general situation – our basic and immediate needs.”
Beyond the medical assistance, the Clinic provided food, clothing and diapers. They also gave the couple guidance on how to navigate the system, from the Clinic. From applying for social assistance, to finding English classes, and enroll their children in school, the family felt supported in unimaginable ways.
“That was very important support for us, because those were very uncertain times.” Yarlin explains. The family had just started the refugee claim process, uncertain of what the future held but every interaction with the clinic staff brought some clarity and comfort.
Through the clinic, Yarlin was referred to additional services at MNLCT and other agencies for support the Clinic couldn’t offer. The family continued to receive free holistic health services until May 2024 when they became eligible for government Interim Health Coverage after submitting a refugee claim for which they are still awaiting a determination hearing.
It’s despicable being alone in a new country.” Says Yarlin “We found a friend, and that was a lot of help. It was our motivation to keep going.”
When they were looking for work, the Clinic’s staff connected the couple job searching seminars and workshops, and even children’s programs. With one staff’s direct help, Yarlin’s husband secured his first job in Canada – a turning point that gave the family stability.
“I will never be able to repay you for the good work that you have done for me.” Yarlin says with gratitude shinning through her eyes. The fact that some of the Clinic staff spoke Spanish also made a difference for easy communication.
Today, life is “very good.” Yarlin’s husband has a stable job that supports the family. Yarlin is continuing her English classes, and their children are happily attending school and daycare. They now live in a comfortable apartment and watching their children grow fluent in English gives Yarlin great joy.
“This clinic is more than a clinic, it’s a family.” Yarlin says. “Coming from a different Country, we don’t have these kinds of Centres and coming to this huge country, finding yourself completely alone, and in the middle of the desperation, you find hope, there are no words to describe that.”
Determined to give back, Yarlin is now spreading the word about the clinic with others, encouraging them to visit the clinic. She hopes that in future she can donate diapers to expectant and new mothers who visit the clinic. “It is important that people out there know that this Centre exists and know that it does more than it’s mandated to do.”
The Health for All Partnership Clinic offers free and inclusive health services to individuals and families without proper documentation facing barriers to healthcare. Located at MNLCT’s Finch office, the clinic remains a vital resource to many – offering not just care but community, compassion and hope.
