I lived a very comfortable life as a lawyer in my country, but I was threatened almost daily for my beliefs and even beaten once. 

I didn’t feel like I could live safely and freely so I packed as much as I could in my bags and fled to Canada right before the pandemic hit. My idea was to find a way to make Toronto my home, but I heard about COMPASS through someone I met at the airport and made up my mind that I would go to Kitchener instead.  

I arrived at their office the next day and everyone was very friendly, and they set up an appointment for me right away. There were so many forms and papers to fill out! With the help of the caseworkers, I got my work permit and just three days later we were in lockdown. I was very scared.  

We were told to “stay home” but what about us who didn’t have a home? I was staying at a shelter and my savings were depleting fast. I couldn’t even think of renting a room even if I did have the money because I had no credit or a job. 

One day I met an elderly woman at my church, and she kindly offered me a room in her home. She didn’t know me or ask why I came to Canada, she just welcomed me and tried to help. I was so grateful and amazed at her generosity. She gave me a HOME! It was a miracle! I felt like I was human again. 

Soon after, I got an offer for a Support Worker position in a local mental health group home. It was very challenging and something I had never done before. There were days that I would be hit and spit on. There were days when I cried as I cleaned a mess that I had never cleaned before, but I knew I had to keep going. I knew I had the gumption! 

One day, I read the same children’s book for 4 hours to one of the residents. Some people asked me how could I do this. But when I saw the resident’s smile after having finished the book, he would say with excitement “Again, again!”, I would feel my heart beat faster and gave thanks for having my health. I thought, if I was in their shoes, I would like somebody to help me. 

My dream is to move to Montreal to learn French and work on my Law degree so I can become a lawyer again. In the meantime, I am happy to help others just like I was helped when I needed it the most.