Changing Lives
Just a few of the many lives we touched this year
Kyla Hanlon
Kyla Hanlon (right) and her former instructor, Lucinda Donaldson.
Over the last 12 years, Kyla Hanlon has participated in countless activities at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH). The 16-year-old recalls music programs, playing soccer, Friday drop-ins, and baton twirling.
“I also volunteered at Collingwood [Neighbourhood] School and of course, participated in gymnastics classes,” she says.
For Kyla, gymnastics is one activity that continues to impact her today.
Training as a Junior Coach with Gym Sense Gymnastics, a low-cost program offered at CNH year-round, Kyla now works alongside her former instructor. In this role, she continues to spend her time at CNH, teaching the sport to children in the community.
“She always has a smile to share with anyone that is new to the program or someone who is returning to the program,” says Lucinda Donaldson, Kyla’s former instructor and now colleague. “Kyla is one of the reasons why programs in the community are so important.”
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Richelle Tiongson
Sixteen-year-old Richelle Tiongson wishes everyone knew about the opportunities provided at neighbourhood houses like CNH.
“You can find a new hobby and interest, an opportunity to make new friends, as well as the opportunity to volunteer and not only learn something new, but to also help with the amazing work they do in the community,” she says. “Neighbourhood houses such as CNH provide a vast opportunity and support to many individuals, especially those who are new to Canada and the community.”
Through her participation in CNH programs and volunteering in the office, Richelle has discovered life-long interests and skills, in addition to opportunities for the years ahead. In Grade 3, Richelle learned to play volleyball at CNH and in Grade 7, she first volunteered in the office, which she has returned to do as a teen.
“I found a new hobby and interest in volleyball that I carry with me till this day,” Richelle says. “It was also through volunteering in the office I have learned new things and more about the type of work environment I wish to work in, in my future.”
“Overall, CNH has positively impacted more than one different aspect of my life.”
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Rafael & Yudy Kainan
When Rafael and Yudy Kainan moved to Canada from Colombia, they hoped to settle successfully. The couple intended to apply for work permits but within two months, COVID-19 hit. All applications made through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) were suddenly delayed, leaving Rafael and Yudy with many questions.
Working with Settlement Services at CNH, they were able to get help from settlement worker Guadalupe (Lupita) Garcia. “Almost all the process was online,” explains Rafael. “Using WhatsApp or Zoom.”
The couple had been struggling with navigating different documents and rules but working with Lupita changed that.
Rafael was unable to work in Canada so Lupita helped him apply for a first-time open work permit. She helped Yudy extend her study permit, allowing her to work. As neither of them was eligible for government benefits, Lupita helped them to apply for a medical services plan as well and referred them to support programs at CNH.
“In that moment, Lupita helped us with different services,” says Rafael. “Lupita was a wonderful help.” “I found an answer to all my asks.”