Daniel, Livia, and Family - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 32)
Livia and Daniel’s first memory of Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House is a feeling of warmth, kindness, and reassurance. It was the spring of 2021. Their son, Ben, was on several daycare waitlists. Livia and Daniel had no idea if daycare would even be available. And if it was, what services could they expect during a pandemic?
When they found out that MPNH had a spot for Ben, Livia thought, “we won’t be allowed to visit.” She wasn’t sure what to do. How could they choose a daycare without visiting it?
Livia called MPNH. “Of course, come by,” they said. No pressure. No deadlines. Just kindness.
The day of their visit, Livia recalls “the most positive, radiant energy. You could just feel an endless swell of patience and understanding.”
Daniel remembers how walking into the playground felt like “a portal to another world, like a secret garden.” Livia and Daniel were filled with gratitude. They knew they had found kind, trustworthy childcare for Ben.
Ben started daycare just before his third birthday. His brother, Felix, was a special part of the daycare community well before that age.
“The staff at the daycare always talk about how they've known Felix since he was in my belly,” Livia says with a smile. “I'd come pick up Ben and they'd see my belly growing.”
By the time Felix was ready for daycare, the transition was effortless. He knew the staff because they interacted with him every day at Ben’s drop off and pick up.
“Felix knew everybody, and it felt like home,” Daniel says.
Now Ben and Livia are picking Felix up at the end of the day. And every time, Livia must pry Ben away from the toys and teachers. When Ben was in after school care, he and Felix would cross paths in the courtyard.
“It’s where our children have grown up,” Daniel says.
Daniel appreciates how the staff builds relationships with the children and their families. These aren't people who check out and scroll on their phones while children play unsupervised. They are always present, always engaged.
While on vacation, one of the staff came across a space puzzle. It reminded her of Ben’s love for space puzzles, and she purchased it for him. When Felix is having a bad day, the staff engages with him.
"How can we fix this together?" they ask.
Livia and Daniel see how all the children and their families receive the same personal attention from the staff. Every Christmas, each child receives a hand-knitted toque in their favourite colors.
Livia and Daniel hopes more families will grow with MPNH. They hope children not only continue receiving outstanding services but also discover the connections that make them part of their communities. They hope parents continue to find support as they balance daily demands of work and family.
MPNH didn't just watch their children grow. It helped raise them. And for that, Livia and Daniel will always be grateful.
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the family 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.
