Susana Mora - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 2)
When Susana Mora left Mexico with her husband and 2-year-old son in 2020, she wanted to settle in a close community like the one she left behind. But the pandemic made it difficult to find connections beyond small conversations with other mothers in local playgrounds. Susana felt isolated and wondered if she would ever teach children again like she did in Mexico. Then Susana discovered the Women in Motion program at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House – a free Spanish-language program for women who want to start or grow their small businesses.
I fell in love with the staff at MPNH. Women in Motion was for me – I met so many women just like me. My connections grew and I could feel my confidence coming back. MPNH is a lifesaver, a space where you can be just you.
MPNH provided childminding while Susana attended Employment, Parenting, Community, and Literacy programs. Facilitators recognized Susana’s teaching skills and helped her complete the Early Childhood Education program at Vancouver Community College. When Susana was ready to apply for work, she created a professional resume that included all the experience she gained through MPNH’s programs. Susana’s connections with MPNH led to employment as an Early Childhood Education Aide – a job she loves.
As Susana grew with MPNH, so did her son. MPNH’s Neurodiversity in Families program gave Susana insight into her son’s experiences and taught her how to use strategies to help him help himself through difficult moments. Susana recognized how these strategies are integrated throughout MPNH’s Childcare and Family programs, and the impact was clear when her son successfully transitioned to a classroom environment.
MPNH brought me back to a community. My son grew with MPNH too. There was a girl in his preschool program who would take his toys because she thought it was funny when he had a tantrum. The Facilitators brought all the children together and asked them what my son and the girl should do. They created a space of self-awareness for the children. The next time a child took my son’s toy, he was able to stop his tantrum all by himself.
Susana hopes MPNH will always be part of her community – and that resources will always be available for MPNH to grow. She wants future generations to experience settlement like she did, with opportunities to learn how to take care of yourself and your family while becoming part of a new community. Susana is settled, but she knows she will always be connected to MPNH.
I know so many people who have benefited from MPNH. For me and so many people, MPNH was what made us settle here. Community is based here at MPNH.
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.
