Romy Senghera - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 31)
Romy’s time at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House was supposed to be temporary – just six weeks to fill in for a sick leave. She was already working at another neighbourhood house and finishing her child and youth care degree. But MPNH had an important gap to fill.
"Just do what you can do," they told her.
Six weeks became six months, then six months became thirteen years.
Thirteen years of learning every part of the neighbourhood house until it felt like an extension of herself. Thirteen years of watching children grow into adults who would later send wedding invitations and baby shower announcements. But one memory stood above them all.
The kids – now adults – still ask, “Do you remember when we went to Disneyland?”
“How can I ever forget that?” Romy beams. “We made those amazing memories!”
It was 2004. Romy had just returned from her first trip to Disneyland.
“I found it so magical as an adult, I can only imagine what it would be like for the kids!” Romy said. She brought them souvenirs, and their excitement spread.
But Romy saw the gap between the kids’ dreams and their reality. Would they ever be able to go to Disneyland? Romy decided the answer was: YES!
They started fundraising. Car washes, bottle drives, bake sales – “we worked our butts off!” Romy says. The following year, the kids boarded a train to California for the adventure of their lives. Six days later, they all came back exhausted.
“But it was the best time ever, honestly.” Romy says with a glow.
It wasn’t just the youth who had life-changing adventures. Camping at Sasamat involved canoeing, and Romy was afraid of the water. She couldn’t swim.
The kids weren’t having it.
"If you make us conquer our fears, you have to, too!” they said.
So, Romy got in a voyager canoe and held on for dear life while the kids paddled around her, laughing and encouraging. When they took a little boat to Twin Island for an overnight camping trip, one of the boys held Romy’s hand.
"It's okay," he said. "We'll get there."
Romy worked in many roles and program at MPNH. She was a youth worker, team lead, assistant director, and community programs director. She worked in summer day camps, before and after-school programs, seniors’ programs, and employment and settlement services. When she began working at another Neighbourhood House, Romy realized just how attached she’d become to Mount Pleasant.
“I just knew everybody in this neighbourhood.” Romy says. “It really felt like community, no matter where you went.”
Looking ahead, Romy wants to see more of what she experienced at MPNH: a space where kids know they are welcome to hang out after school, do homework, play games, have something to eat, and be safe. A place where no one feels like they’re missing out because there’s always opportunities. A place where kids become adults with shared memories.
Romy hopes MPNH will always be the living room of the neighbourhood.
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the former director 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.
