Finding Hope and a Fresh Start in Toronto with the Support of The Salvation Army

While living in Uganda, Florence dreamed of a brighter future for herself and her three children. Though her journey was difficult, arriving in Toronto in 2022 brought new opportunities and a transformative connection with The Salvation Army.

As a refugee seeking more opportunities in Canada, and with her husband still in Uganda, Florence faced numerous challenges. Raising her children alone, she struggled with food security as her son has food allergies and requires a specific diet. When she first settled in Toronto and lived in an emergency shelter, Florence was deeply concerned about her son’s health and meeting her family’s nutritional needs.

“I was going through a lot because my children couldn’t eat some foods. I didn’t have the money to help them,” Florence recalls. “I didn’t know what was wrong with my son; he was getting sick, and sometimes he couldn’t breathe properly.”

A Community That Cares

While staying in the emergency shelter, Florence met a kind-hearted neighbour who, knowing of her struggles, introduced her to The Salvation Army Yorkminster Citadel’s food bank in north Toronto where she met Liz Colley, the community and family services manager. Florence found the sanctuary she desperately needed, discovering an inclusive Salvation Army community dedicated to helping struggling individuals regardless of their background.

“Without the help of Liz and The Salvation Army, I don’t know how I would have survived because things are very expensive. With their help, they have given me hope,” Florence says.

When Florence moved into her apartment, The Salvation Army helped make her house a home, providing sheets, beds, blankets, warm winter clothing, dishes, cutlery, and other household items. Nearly everything in her apartment came from The Salvation Army, and Liz’s emotional support helped Florence bring stability and confidence into her life.

Empowerment Through Education

That encouragement led Florence to return to school, where she studied accounting, entrepreneurship, and community service worker (CSW) programs. While returning to work as a bookkeeper and accountant, which she did back in Uganda, her long-term goal is to give back to the community as a CSW.

Florence and her children now regularly receive healthy and nutritious monthly food to supplement what she can afford. Her son’s health has improved, his allergies are under control, and Florence is focused on completing her education to improve her family’s life and she thanks the compassionate care provided at Yorkminster Citadel for creating an environment of confidence and optimism.

“I can talk to Liz whenever I face a challenge, and she consoles me and gives me hope. Before, I used to cry whenever I talked, but these days, I’ve become stronger because of how I am treated at The Salvation Army,” Florence says.

Looking to the Future

She plans to enroll her children in the youth choir at the Yorkminster Citadel’s Music Academy, which offers inexpensive music foundations, opportunities to join a band, a children’s singing company, and timbrels programs for the community.

Florence has found hope and positivity through the unwavering support of The Salvation Army. Her journey from Uganda to Canada, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the power of community and the difference that compassion and generosity can make in the lives of those in need.

Help The Salvation Army assist people like Florence in your community. Donate today at www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.