A New Life, and the Courage to Begin When Samah arrived in Canada in 2023 with her three children, she brought with her a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a Project Management Professional certification, and a deep sense of purpose. What she didn’t bring was a roadmap. Moving to a new country is rarely just about geography—it’s about finding your footing in unfamiliar systems, understanding where you fit, and rebuilding [...]
A Welcoming Hand, A Brighter Path Supporting Newcomer Students and their Families in Niagara Moving to a new country is more than just a change of address—it’s a shift in culture, routine, and identity. For children and youth especially, it can be both exciting and incredibly overwhelming. That’s why at the YMCA of Niagara, we’re proud to offer newcomer families the kind of support that goes far beyond a friendly [...]
The Power of Play In the summer of 2023, an idea took root within the Niagara community, driven by a shared commitment to creating meaningful experiences for refugee families temporarily residing in hotels. Launched in partnership with the McCall MacBain Foundation, this initiative aimed to provide more than just a refuge from the transitory nature of hotel living. That it did. As the program unfolded, it blossomed into a [...]
