Mayerly is happy to be living in Canada, after escaping political unrest in Colombia.
“With my first step on Canadian soil, I felt relief. I felt safe.”
Mayerly came to Canada in June 2022 with her husband Samir and teenaged son, Juan, fleeing political unrest in their home country of Colombia.
“There were death threats against my family,” said Mayerly. “We had to leave.”
They left with just one bag of belongings, and had to start over.
With support through House of Friendship’s Neighbourhoods programs, Mayerly’s family got help – whether it was helping find furniture for their empty home, or help navigating a new world while struggling with a foreign language.
“We didn’t know anything,” said Mayerly. “And with the language barrier, I didn’t know how to ask for help.”
When Mayerly still lived in Colombia, she specialized in mechanical engineering, and worked in a factory. Today, she works as a cleaner, alongside her husband.
Mayerly and her family have to rely on the Neighbourhoods Food Program at Kingsdale Community Centre to get by.
“It makes such a difference to us,” said Mayerly. “It’s one less problem to think about.”
Mayerly appreciates the help so much that she volunteers every week, giving back where she can.
Mayerly also participates in a cooking program offered through the community centre, which gives her the chance to learn new ways of cooking some of the food she receives, as well as practice her English.
“I’ve learned a lot about cooking, and I’ve made some friends,” said Mayerly.
Being able to build a sense of community is making it easier for Mayerly’s family to feel more at home.
“My son is very happy here in Canada,” said Mayerly. “He can go out with his friends. We are at ease, and don’t have to worry”
Your support of Neighbourhoods programs at House of Friendship is providing the kind of wraparound support that families like Mayerly’s need – thank you!
