Resilience and Renewal: A Year of Transition (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)

In 2024–2025, the Newcomers Team experienced significant changes. We saw shifts within our management team, welcomed new colleagues, and said farewell to others. Throughout these transitions, we remained committed to supporting newcomers through a range of services, including language classes, peer support groups, and community kitchens. Our focus remained on creating safe and inclusive spaces where individuals could build relationships and strengthen their networks while building their new life in Canada.

Toward the end of the year, the newcomer sector faced additional difficulties, including funding cuts that forced us to make tough decisions about how to move forward. Despite these challenges, our commitment to the community has never wavered. Our goal remains to provide a welcoming environment where newcomers feel supported, connected, and empowered throughout their settlement journey.

Safa’s Journey of Transformation

To highlight the importance of Settlement Services and showcase the resiliency of our community members, we would like to share the story of one of our long-time participants and current staff.

My name is Safa Abdulmalk, I was born in Syria, and I had to flee my country at the age of eight because of the civil war. I was 11 years old when I arrived in Canada.

When I moved to Canada, I knew nothing about socializing, but after just one week of being here, I had the opportunity to join Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House’s Arabic-speaking group, led by Sherifa Azzab, a Settlement Worker who is also now my co-worker. She referred me to the Preteen Program and Homework Club to learn English.

Since then, I have been involved in many different programs at the Neighbourhood House. I have gained confidence and felt connected with the community as an active participant and youth leader.