“I’m not going to lie, I cry sometimes. I don’t cry in front of my kids, though,” Melissa
Melissa has been looking for work for a year and feels like she’s running out of options.
Melissa is getting support and care during a time of need – thank you!
“I’m running out of money – and my baby bonus won’t pay my rent forever,” said Melissa. “I’m 40 years old, and I’m barely keeping my head above water. I’m afraid I won’t get another job.”
Melissa has worked her entire life and knows all about working hard. She had her first job when she was 14 years old, at a Harvey’s restaurant in Guelph. She enjoyed working there so much that she stayed for 17 years, only leaving the role when she moved to Kitchener.
After the move, Melissa found work again, at a local hotel, and got the chance to take on a supervisory role at another hotel. She struggled with the long hours, however, and had to find something else.
Since then, Melissa has had a variety of roles, but they have all been temporary jobs. Today, she relies on a part-time housekeeping job and government tax rebates to keep going. But what is helping her most of all is the support she receives at Chandler Mowat Community Centre.
“If it wasn’t for the help I get from House of Friendship, I don’t know what I’d do,” said Melissa. “Every week, I go to Chandler Mowat Community Centre for their food program. I get enough groceries to feed my family for a week, and I work hard to make them last.
“It helps a lot for someone like me who is struggling. It’s great to know that I can come here and get enough food to feed my family until I get another job.”
Melissa not only receives food support at Chandler Mowat, but she also volunteers, both at the food distribution program and at “Snack Attack,” a House of Friendship program that makes sure that kids don’t go home hungry after a long day at school.
“I love being able to put a smile on someone’s face, to help them the way House of Friendship is helping me. Sometimes, the people who come in will even catch me dancing. It puts everyone in a good mood,” said Melissa.
Melissa volunteers at Snack Attack every week. Here she is with fellow volunteers Jen and Kate.
“I do this because I know that I’m not the only person in this community who is struggling. You can see it on their faces. The other people who come in here are just like me.”
Right now, Melissa and her two teenage sons are living in a single-bedroom apartment. Melissa has been sleeping in the dining room for eight years, and her boys have to share a room.
“I want to find a larger space for my family, but I can’t until I can get a full-time job. I keep trying, but it’s harder than it used to be to find work.”
Melissa said that she loves the support she gets when she talks with Aline, House of Friendship’s Community Development Worker at Chandler Mowat.
“She’s amazing. I can talk to her about anything. She doesn’t judge anyone, and that helps so much. Everyone loves her, and it doesn’t matter who you are, she’ll love you back.”
Melissa, and families like hers, rely on the support they get every day at our Neighbourhoods programs, found at seven community centres in Kitchener and Waterloo. There, families can connect with Family Outreach Workers, sign up their kids for free after-school homework help, or improve their digital skills, providing them with the skills they need for today’s jobs.
For Melissa, having a place like Chandler Mowat is making all the difference as she works to build a better life for her family. Thank you for your care and commitment to people like Melissa.
