Finding a New Home
SEBASTIAN AND HIS FAMILY ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE HELP OF AN AGENCY DEDICATED TO ENSURING NEWCOMER YOUTH AND ADULTS CAN THRIVE IN CANADA
As a newcomer, Sebastian found himself struggling in school and trying to learn English. Now, five years later, he is volunteering at the United Way supported agency that helped him overcome those challenges and serving as a leader to newcomers arriving today.
His family emigrated from El Salvador when Sebastian was seven.
“It was because of the state my country was in. It wasn’t the greatest in terms of safety. We were shot at one day when going to my grandma’s house, and I think that’s what led my parents to finally make the decision to immigrate.”
It wasn’t long before settling in their new city that Sebastian’s mom learned of an agency offering programs to help newcomer, racialized, and marginalized communities thrive and succeed.
Sebastian started playing soccer in the summer and then enrolled in a homework help program.
His grades are great now and he knows how to ask for help when he’s struggling. Sebastian’s little sister has taken part in the agency’s programs, too, and his mother is heading to culinary school thanks to a scholarship.
“It’s a friendly atmosphere. You can tell that the people there care about the community,” Sebastian says of the agency that has meant so much to his family.
ISSUE
Social malnutrition, a term referring to the long-term damage that a lack of normal socialization has on children’s mental and physical health, was heightened in the last two years.
IMPACT
Children and youth are connected to and involved in their community.
ISSUE
A quarter of children and youth in Canada experience mental health challenges, and more than half of youth experience depression.
IMPACT
Children and youth improved their emotional and physical well-being.
ISSUE
Youth graduating from post-secondary education have higher employment levels, and higher average incomes.
IMPACT
Children and youth engaged in learning and improved their academic performance.