Karen Abdelwahed - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 11)
When Karen Abdelwahed and her husband moved to Vancouver from the United States in 2019, they hoped to find a new community of families with children like their 4-month-old son. But when the pandemic began, Karen suddenly found herself alone with her young son in a new city. She grew concerned about her son’s chances to meet other kids – as well as her own opportunities to connect with other mothers.
Then Karen found Sing and Grow (Baby Time), a Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House program at the Creekside Community Centre. She discovered a warm, welcoming space to bond with her son through music and movement. The facilitators knew exactly how to lead activities so parents and caregivers could connect with each other, even if their children were different ages.
Karen enjoyed learning how to engage and entertain her son through songs and rhymes. But she also found opportunities to connect with other mothers. The Sing & Grow facilitator, Margarita, introduced Karen to MPNH’s Family Resource programs. Karen and her son attended Little Explorers, Under the Tree, and seasonal community events. Soon they found themselves part of a vibrant, diverse community.
But MPNH had even more in store for Karen. When she began experiencing perimenopause symptoms (the transition before menopause), she felt drained physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was hard to find the energy and patience that parenting requires. Through MPNH’s Positive Discipline program, Karen learned positive ways to respond to her son’s behaviors. These daily parenting techniques gave Karen confidence and guidance as she managed challenges of toddlerhood and perimenopause at the same time.
Today, Karen and her son still attend Sing & Grow. Her son looks for MPNH icons on their family calendar, eager for the next time he will have a chance to sing and see his friends.
“I didn’t realize how those two hours would change my life,” Karen reflects. “MPNH gives us a safe space to grow, connect, and simply be ourselves.”
Karen has many hopes for the future of MPNH. She wants to see more families discover and take advantage of its wonderful resources. She would especially like to see the preschool program grow, so more children can experience the benefits of a diverse community.
Story written by Carrie Keen 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.
