Familiy Outreach Worker Nermin meets with Dilara* to provide one-on-one support in her time of need.
Dilara* came to Canada in search of a better life.
She left her homeland of Turkey, after struggling with a difficult, abusive marriage. While Dilara had to leave her adult children behind, her 17-year-old daughter, Melek, joined her for the journey.
Their dangerous trek to Canada took them through several countries, including Mexico and the United States.
“It wasn’t safe for us in Mexico. The cartels made it dangerous,” said Dilara. “I didn’t even feel safe in the United States.”
They made their way to Waterloo Region, arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs. To make matters worse, neither spoke much English, making it incredibly difficult to get help when they arrived at the Region of Waterloo’s Community Services building.
Fortunately for them, Nermin, a Family Outreach worker with House of Friendship, was there and stepped in to help.
“I heard a person struggling to communicate with the resource staff. I heard they were requesting Turkish-speaking staff,” said Nermin. “I went and introduced myself.”
Nermin, originally from Turkey, quickly provided support.
“I helped them apply for Ontario Works and connected them to the Families in Transition program, run by Starling Community Services,” said Nermin. “I was able to arrange an emergency shelter space for this family.”
Family Outreach Workers like Nermin are there to help families struggling to make ends meet and living with very limited income. Workers like Nermin serve as a one-stop resource, connecting these families to services and resources to help them during their time of need.
With Nermin’s help, Dilara and Melek moved into permanent housing just before Christmas. And while it wasn’t yet furnished, Dilara was incredibly grateful.
“Even though I don’t have furniture, it’s very good. Just having my own place is wonderful. I was thankful for the shelter – but having my own space, it’s just better. It is peaceful.”
This is what we do. We help every way we can. – Nermin, Family Outreach Worker
Nermin plans to help Dilara and Melek get a few pieces of furniture – a sofa to rest on, and a bar stool or chair to sit at the kitchen counter.
She’ll also help them find the nearest community centre to their new home, so they can get food and other help through House of Friendship as they settle into their new community. The next step is to help Melek sign up for school.
For Dilara and Melek, this care and compassion made a huge difference, as they began again.
“For people who donate – maybe for them, it’s a small amount of money, but I want them to know it is making a huge difference in someone’s life.”
Your support of Neighbourhoods programs ensures that families like Dilara and Melek get the help they need during a challenging time. You are helping to provide a warm welcome to families in need in Waterloo Region – thank you!
*names changed to protect the identity of the storytellers.
