Mariana Gassmann - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 18)
Mariana arrived in Canada from Argentina in 2016. Within three weeks, she began volunteering at local neighborhood houses. Mariana wanted to be part of her new community, learn Canadian culture, and practice English. Two years later, she began “one of the most meaningful chapters of my life”: she started participating in programs at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
Mariana started with the Learning Circles Leadership Training program in 2018. She had 20 years of professional experience in Information Technology. But her English was limited, and she did not know how to find her place in the Canadian job market. MPNH connected her with the IMPACT Mentorship program.
That same year, Mariana received two Neighbourhood Small Grants and started two community projects. She created and facilitated two six-week programs; the "Computer Literacy" program for adults and seniors, and the “Transforming Recyclable Materials into Art” program for families, adults and seniors. By the end of the year, she celebrated her passion for giving discarded materials new life by hosting a Christmas Upcycling Craft Event at MPNH.
"I didn't want to just sit and receive," Mariana says. "I needed to give too!"
Mariana’s journey of giving and receiving was just beginning. She met other Spanish-speaking women through Entre Mujeres, an MPNH program that helps Latina women navigate life in Canada. The same year, Mariana joined the "Women in Motion" program to develop her businesswoman side, and she discovered her full leadership potential. Since then, Mariana became a co-organizer, co-facilitator, and mentor in this program. Also, she has her own business. Today, Mariana is a living example of what participants can become after the program.
"Every year we help 15 to 20 women," Mariana says with pride. "Most are single moms, immigrants who need help learning the culture and business here in Canada. Part of my heart is in this program."
Mariana’s heart and leadership skills kept growing. In 2019, she applied for a job in settlement services. This meant facing her first Canadian job application and her first English-language interview. But she was not alone. Members of MPNH’s Settlement Circle spent two hours helping Mariana prepare.
“They empowered me. They made me believe in myself," Mariana remembers. "And I got the job!"
When asked what she hopes for Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House in fifty years, Mariana laughs.
"I hope to be one of the senior participants! If I'm 99, maybe I can celebrate my 100th year here."
But Mariana’s hope goes deeper than just being part of MPNH’s future. She has watched MPNH adapt by training staff and responding to new needs.
"In fifty years, they will be doing much better than today because they train themselves. They evolve."
Mariana's journey is a perfect example of that growth. She went from being a participant who needed to practice English and learn the system, to a leader who mentors others, coordinates programs, and helps Latin women entrepreneurs establish themselves in Canada.
"You can do it if you put your mind to it as a goal," she reflects. "But you can only do it in community, being part of a community like this."
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the volunteer 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.
