Feeling of Belongingness with Sussie (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)

The Family Resource Programs (FRP) at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House foster a multicultural learning environment, offering vital support to children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Feeling of belongingness with Sussie

Susanna Mora, who goes by Sussie, is one of many participants who has greatly benefited from the variety of programs, particularly those offered through FRP.

Being a new mother in a foreign country was challenging for Sussie. As a Mexican immigrant, she often felt like an outsider. But everything changed when she connected with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (MPNH). There, she felt truly welcomed and was especially grateful that her newborn son could join their programs. In her words, MPNH was a “lifesaver.”

Through programs like Nobody’s Perfect, Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters (IPALS), and more, Sussie and her family connected with people they might never have met otherwise. These programs helped her build friendships, regain emotional support, and regain the confidence she had once lost. Over time, she began to feel as though she truly belonged.

Sussie appreciated every program at MPNH, saying each one met her needs at different times and helped her grow, not just as a mother, but as a person. It was clear that everything she learned was put into practice in her daily life.

At Mount Pleasant [Neighbourhood House], I feel safe, supported, heard, respected, cared for, and most of all....like I belong. I have friends, connections, a network, a community. It is my community.

Like I said at the beginning: it has been, and still is, my lifesaver.

In the five years she had been a part of MPNH, Sussie grew significantly as a mother. The valuable resources and guidance she received helped her raise her son to be independent, creative, intelligent, social, empathetic, and, most importantly, healthy.

One of her most cherished memories took place during Christmas. Her family received an outpouring of gifts and support, thanks to MPNH. For this, Sussie remains forever grateful to the facilitators, childminders, and staff at the Neighbourhood House.