NCP Client Success Story

When I arrived in Canada, I had half of my life packed in 6 suitcases and the other half, holding my 4 yr old daughter, was holding my hand. We still have the first memories very fresh in our hearts. We still feel the fresh smell of those pine trees, standing tall and strong while we took our first steps in the city. We carry in our souls the welcoming smile of every person we saw on the bus, in the street and at the supermarket. We felt free, safe, and full of hope. Today, these feelings are still present, but we also feel proud and thankful.

Proud, for being part of a country where people respect and value each other. Thankful, because Canadians made us feel at home.

It has not been easy, but difficult things make us stronger and resilient and help us appreciate what otherwise would have been just ordinary. We learned not only what an Inukshuk is, when Nunavut became a territory, we also learned to value the encouraging smile from our neighbour while shoveling in the middle of a snowstorm. We have so many things to be thankful for!

Tomorrow, we will promise to be faithful to all that Canada represents: from tolerance, inclusion and multiculturalism, to hockey games, a double-double, and maple syrup tapping.

Our roots will remain yellow, blue and red, like the Venezuelan flag, but the sound of the waves in our very much loved Caribbean Sea will certainly mix with the tune of “…God, keep our land, glorious and free…Oh Canada we stand on guard for Thee…” – Here we are, and Canada is our home.

Alejandra Figueredo

Neighbours, Friends and Families (NFF): “Opening Doors for Abused Women” Symposium Thursday, May 7th, 2015

At Mississauga Valley Community Centre, the Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP) will be hosting a FREE “Opening Doors for Abused Women” Symposium on May 7^th, 2015 to show that neighbours, friends and families in immigrant and refugee communities can make a difference in ending violence against women.

Violence against women affects all communities and backgrounds. Everyone has a role to play in preventing and responding to woman abuse.

The Newcomer Centre of Peel is funded by the Ontario Women’s Directorate to deliver the Neighbours, Friends and Families (NFF) Immigrant and Refugee Campaign Project to provide education and awareness on the warning signs of abuse and what to do to help, by developing products and activities that are accessible and relevant to immigrant and refugee communities. 

When: Thursday, May 7^th, 2015

Where: Mississauga Valley Community Centre, Program Room 1

“Many people may not know what all the forms of abuse may look like and when they do recognize abuse, they may not know what to do. This campaign helps people understand that they can help. It’s not about physical intervention or putting yourself in danger. Sometimes asking her if she is okay and showing her that you care can be a big help.”  - Ontario Women’s Directorate

The Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP) has been promoting the campaign through the development and delivery of public education sessions that aim to enhance service delivery, resources and supports. 

 Through the “Opening Doors for Abused Women” Symposium, NCP aims to increase understanding around woman abuse. This includes empowering frontline settlement professionals to take action on violence against women through the execution of service provision that identifies the signs and risk factors associated with woman abuse, includes appropriate referrals and connection to available resources.

Quick Facts:

·        The majority of victims of domestic violence are women, representing 83 per cent of victims (Statistics Canada, 2009).

·      80% of women who experience domestic violence tell family, friends or another source of support.

·        The average woman will try to leave an abusive situation five times before she is successful.

For more information, OR, to register for this FREE Symposium, please contact: Oksana Mandyuk at omandyuk@ncpeel.ca  or (905) 306-0577 Ext.370