To celebrate Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, we’re sharing stories from our program participants, staff, and volunteers about what makes our House so special.

Here, Robynn Bunch, a former teen program participant, explains why Carol White, the House’s teen worker, meant so much to her. 

Listen here or read below:

 

I first got involved at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House when I was about 13, so that would have been 1976. I joined the teen program with Carol White, who was the teen worker at the time.

We did all kinds of stuff. They had a pool table and we’d come and play pool, and then we’d go on trips occasionally. We’d go skiing or swimming. We’d just do stuff! I remember we used to do car washes too for fundraisers. We used to be pretty creative!

Carol did a lot of work with us. She got me into macramé, and I remember I did this big, giant, huge macramé piece. I actually think Carol bought it! We were very close. I even know her favourite snack is celery and cream cheese—and she still loves it!

Michael, her husband, would also be around occasionally. He’s just fabulous, but Carol was great.

Being around Carol was like having a mom. She was always there, teaching me stuff and just being a good guide—and so very compassionate!

I think, to be honest, if it wasn’t for Carol and Michael, and some other people in my life, who knows what would’ve happened to me?

My life definitely would have been a lot different. Back then, I still didn’t make 100% great choices. I made a lot of bad choices.

But it could have been way worse—and I think Carol made my life better. Carol is my favourite memory of Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House!

Do you have a story about what your Neighbourhood House means to you? Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #myNHstory!