Vinaya, Vinayak, and Family - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story #28 )
Vinaya and Vinayak found Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House through Flavors of Hope, a nonprofit partner that helps immigrant women start food businesses. Vinaya held her business launch event at MPNH in 2023.
“A lot of people from the community showed up for the event,” Vinaya recalls. “The kids could go out and play, and parents were able to interact with the business owners.” MPNH was a perfect community-based venue.
Vinaya and Vinayak welcomed the flow of interest in Vinaya’s new business. They also noted how much the children enjoyed the Neighbourhood House. Their 13-month-old daughter, Lavi, was on several daycare waitlists. Vinaya was very busy as a new immigrant, a new mother, and a new business owner.
“I was enrolling Lavi everywhere,” Vinaya says. “Last year they offered us a spot at Eric Hamber Daycare.”
Lavi started going to daycare. Soon, Vinaya and Vinayak realized they found much more than great childcare.
“What stands out to me is the way Lavi is developing as a person,” Vinaya says. “I really appreciate how the care providers talk to the children in a specific way, to help them develop as a person.”
Vinayak agrees. “To me, it is how Lavi is learning the culture here,” he says. “In our culture, we don’t express ourselves that much. We don't know how to teach that to Lavi. In daycare, she's encouraged to be open about her feelings. That's pretty special for us.”
Vinaya and Vinayak are grateful for their community.
“We see a lot of programs for young families and kids. They are almost free of any cost, which is amazing,” Vinaya says. “Especially for immigrant families who don't have extended family here.”
Vinaya can’t wait to bring Lavi’s baby brother to an infant massage class.
“Back home in India, baby massages are a must!” she says.
Seeing this tradition respected in her new country connects Vinaya’s two worlds.
Vinaya and Vinayak hope more immigrant families find this kind of support and connection. They hope children who grow up with MPNH always remember its warmth and inclusiveness, because this will guide them to other warm and inclusive communities.
Vinaya and Vinayak know that building a life in a new country is not just about finding work or a place to live. It is about finding a place where you belong.
MPNH is more than a neighbourhood house. It is a community where newcomer families learn about local culture through their children. It is a community that helps newcomers start small businesses. It is a community where different cultures mix with local traditions.
MPNH is a place to belong.
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the family 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.
