Sherry left home when she was only 16 years old. It was her birthday. Her dad kicked her out after Sherry held a party when her parents were away. There was no second chance. As far back as she could remember, Sherry’s life had always been unstable – both of her parents struggled with alcohol […]
Every week, newcomers to the community meet at Sunnydale Community Centre to take part in an English conversation circle. Barbara and Evelyn, two volunteers who lead the group, said it’s often about much more than trying to learn to speak English more fluently – it’s about finding a community. “I think it’s less about the […]
For Catherine and Terry Gitzel, the idea that children in their own community were hungry was shocking. “To think that 10 minutes from our home, there are children going to school without breakfast, it just didn’t make sense,” said Catherine. “It’s not supposed to happen here.” Catherine found this out when looking for ways to […]
A life-changing scholarship will make it easier for young students living on low income to achieve a university education. The House of Friendship Leadership Scholarship, made possible through a substantial grant from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, will help two high school students connected to House of Friendship programs attend University of Waterloo while living […]
By the time Steffon was only 16 years old, he had already been arrested several times. He constantly got into fights and found it nearly impossible to control his temper. As a child growing up in Guyana, Steffon was diagnosed with epilepsy. But it wasn’t until he arrived in Canada many years later that he […]
It was amazing to see so many of you at this year’s Annual General Meeting and Strawberry Social at Catalyst 137! On Monday, June 19, more than 200 community members gathered together for our 84th AGM and enjoyed a time of connection and community, and enjoyed the chance to learn more about the impact of […]
Every week, Elizabeth volunteers to hand out food to her fellow community members at Forest Heights Community Centre. “I try to keep my mind off my troubles,” said Elizabeth, with translation help from Shahlaa, a House of Friendship team member. “I like volunteering – it helps.” Elizabeth came to Canada 20 years ago, leaving behind […]
“I wish I could play all the time,” said Mercy. “I love coming here and seeing my coaches and friends, and meeting new people.” “If I didn’t come here, I’d probably just stay home and watch TV,” said Emily. Mercy and Emily are both 11, and come from different communities – Mercy lives near Victoria […]
Razuma knows first-hand what a difference it makes to have a place to belong. Over the years, her family has received support through House of Friendship’s Neighbourhoods programs, including summer camp for Razuma and her siblings, and food when money was tight. “House of Friendship has always provided that safe community for families,” said Razuma. “All […]
When Megan first realized she needed help to feed her son, it broke her heart. “My mom had never asked for help when we were growing up, even though we struggled,” said Megan. “Here I was, years later, asking for help. It was hard. I felt like I was failing my son. I felt like […]
