Father Turns to The Salvation Army to Help Ease Family into Their New Lives

Enrique Torres and his family immigrated to Canada in the late 2000s. At the time, his children were still young and they were just about to enter elementary school. Enrique felt they needed a way to immerse themselves into Canadian culture before they set on their dream of a better future.

Enrique turned to The Salvation Army to help his family become more engaged with their new home, by accessing the parent-child program at the Kitchener Community Church and Family Care Centre.

“Having access to these Salvation Army programs is a privilege. Where we come from, we never had access to these resources,” Enrique shares.

Initially, Enrique’s plan was to have his children learn about Canadian culture, interact, and expand their English vocabulary before entering school. However, once he learned about a program that assists parents, he and his wife Silvia decided to join as well.

“Having access to these Salvation Army programs is a privilege.”

“I was part of the ‘RISE’ program. It gave us guidance on how to better connect with our children and how to help them have an easier transition to Canadian culture,” Enrique adds.

The RISE program focuses on helping parents deal with parenting issues, and to protect their mental health. It is open to parents who have children up to seven years old.

The program brings in guest speakers, includes engaging activities such as crafts, and encourages parents to socialize with each other.

According to Enrique, when he was part of RISE, the sessions were made up of approximately 90 percent mothers.

Although he realizes for some dads it might be tough to fit in, he encourages fathers to take part and enjoy the benefits of the lessons.

“From the point of view of a father, I can tell other dads that there is a great atmosphere,” Enrique says. “Dads will see the results by seeing how their children develop.”

“Childcare is a tough job. So, when dads come, we try to make them feel valued.”

Pam Nickell, program manager, says that over time more dads have become involved in the parent-child programs. The staff have made it a mission to make them feel welcome.

“Childcare is a tough job. So, when dads come, we try to make them feel valued,” Pam says.

Aside from the lessons, being part of this program helped Enrique build some friendships.

“It also serves as a way for parents to meet The Salvation Army family and create a sense of comradery among the parents,” Enrique adds.

Today, Enrique’s children are adults. However, his involvement with the parent-child program remains. His wife Silvia runs a home daycare. Together, they take the children they care for to fun educational activities weekly at The Salvation Army.

By Juan Romero