Veronica Suarez - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 12)
Veronica arrived in Canada from Colombia, a university professor and entrepreneurship consultant with a determination to build community. The challenge was building those connections while still learning English.
Her first step was Entre Mujeres (Between Women), Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House’s program for Spanish-speaking newcomer women.
“I was looking for connection with other newcomers and other women who could understand me and help me through the process.”
Veronica found answers to practical questions about life in Canada. Whether she needed information about finding a family doctor, paying taxes, adapting her résumé for the Canadian job market, or enrolling in English classes, there was someone who could point her in the right direction. The support didn't end when the weekly meetings were over. Through an active group chat, women could ask questions as they arose.
“Every day all the women ask different things about children, husbands, work,” Veronica explains. “Vicky and Millie would answer every question.”
Before long, Veronica was the one answering questions for MPNH's Entre Mujeres program. She introduced participants to the fundamentals of starting a business.
“I think it's very important to return your time and your knowledge to the community.”
In MPNH’s English Conversation Circle, she met a woman from China who was nervous about speaking with others.
“Every day I talked with her,” Veronica recalls. “I say, ‘You can. Just tell me. I can understand you.’”
Little by little, the woman's confidence grew. Eventually she jokingly told Veronica that her English was better than Veronica's.
Another favourite memory came through MPNH’s Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters, a program that helps newcomer parents support their children's early learning.
“Every class with children was different and amazing,” she says. “It was fascinating to understand how the children learn and how they mix language between Spanish and English.”
One of Veronica's proudest moments came when she was named Volunteer of the Month.
“That recognition made me feel valued and appreciated for the work and time that I was giving to the community. I think it motivated me even more to continue volunteering and supporting others.”
Today, Veronica works as an operations manager for a Colombian company expanding into Canada. She hopes to build connections with other Latin businesses.
As Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House looks toward its next 50 years, Veronica hopes it will continue to be a safe and welcoming place for newcomers from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
Story written by Signy Marcyniuk 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.
