Dania Gomez - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 8)
After her daughter Eireann was born, Dania Gomez felt lost and alone. New to Canada and adjusting to life as a first-time mum, she was struggling. Then a hospital support counsellor suggested she visit Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
With nothing to lose, off she went.
"I think we need to get you into some of these programs," MPNH settlement worker and counsellor, Milagros Martinez told her. "You build your community. You need support. And that will help you a lot."
Dania had no idea any of this support existed.
"I thought you had to go out and find your own friends and find your own life. So getting the help from them, that was a relief."
Dania started with a talk about breastfeeding, then Infant Massage, Sing and Grow, Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program, and Parent-Child Mother Goose.
“My favourite is Mother Goose. Because it's Monday. And Mondays are always tough.”
She hasn't looked back.
In the Food Skills workshop, while Dania learned to cook healthy meals for Eireann, the program's childminding service looked after her daughter, giving her a rare moment to herself.
"The support from the other moms and the people who run the programs, it felt like a warm hug."
MPNH is also where she started to meet people. Her closest friends all came from the programs, meeting up after classes or visiting on their own.
“Those programs just make you be together, interact. So, that's great. Because otherwise, I wouldn't have friends.”
Eireann learned to crawl at the Neighbourhood House. Watching the other babies in her class move, she got up on her knees and did it herself. Dania found her own footing, and nearly three years in, is raising a busy, friendly toddler. Their days are steady: routines, plans, and friends.
"I don't have to do this alone. The help is here."
In 50 years, Dania hopes Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House still offers what it gave her: a sense of community, a place where everyone belongs.
Story written by Signy Marcyniuk through an interview with the participant during her practicum placement at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
