Salvation Army Supports Newcomer Family Through a Fresh Start
When Nadia (not her real name) and her family moved to Canada just over two years ago, they were eager to work hard to achieve their goals. They moved into an apartment in Welland, Ont., and felt grateful to have a place to call home.
Soon after, they opened a restaurant. However, like many new businesses, it came with challenges. Debt added up and financial pressures became a constant worry in their lives. Eventually, the family made the tough decision to close the establishment and they relocated to St. Catharines, Ont. Although they were grateful to have housing, they had very few belongings and struggled to put food on the table.
“The support meant a lot to our family.”
Not giving up, Nadia looked for resources they could access in the community. This is how she found The Salvation Army.
“I saw their building and logo while walking one time and asked myself, ‘What is this? What do they do?’” she recalls. “Later, I researched online and sent the organization a message explaining my situation.”
Within days, Nadia and her husband met with a member of The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services team in St. Catharines. They received food assistance along with practical support, including furniture and a mattress to help them settle into their new home.
“The support meant a lot to our family. We are very grateful for everything The Salvation Army has done for us,” Nadia shares.
“They make me feel included. God bless them all.”
The Salvation Army also helped Nadia feel more connected to her new community. She joined the organization’s English Conversation Café for women, where she practises her conversational English and has become more secure when navigating everyday situations.
“The classes have helped me a lot,” Nadia says. “I feel more confident about my English skills now and when speaking with my child’s doctor or dealing with other important things.”
For Nadia, the support has been more than food and furniture. It’s also been a moral boost to her during a difficult chapter of life.
“Everyone here is amazing,” she says. “They make me feel included. God bless them all.”
While Nadia’s family continues to work their way back to stability, they feel fortunate to have this support in the meantime.
“The staff have made us feel more than welcome. I love them all,” Nadia concludes.
By Juan Romero
