Testimonies from WMRCC of Durham Program Participants:

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ONE ON ONE COUNSELLING:

It feels so good to have someone to talk to; someone who understands the issue and sensitive to my feelings. I am always looking forward to coming to my counselling session every week!

Counselling program recipient

When your number was given to me I was a bit hesitant to call but you staff have gone extra miles to be there for me and my children. I am very grateful for the help you provided with my immigration status, housing and hooking me up with other community resources. I will be grateful for ever for the help and support I received from all of you.

Counselling program recipient

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DIVERSITY TRAINING:

The diversity training has been an educational and rewarding experience for many of the participants. For many it was a defining moment in their lives. Many of our participants said they came away feeling motivated and encouraged to create a positive change in their lives and to be advocates, and allies to people who are vulnerable and have been marginalized all their lives.

Diversity training participants

It is about time our community move forward, it was a day where many barriers, were removed, walls were torn down and glass ceilings were broken. My colleagues and I enjoyed every bit of this training; the content, practical applications, facilitators’ knowledge on subject matter, facilitator’s passion, package information and presentation skills.

Diversity training participant

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YOUTH HOST PROGRAM:

Well I really liked the program because I made new friends and I had fun with them....it was great meeting with you guys and I am happy that I went in that program.

Newcomer Student

The experience in the Youth Host Program was definitely an experience that can't be explained to others and I’m glad I joined it. As Anusheh and I have spent our days with Marzeya we have definitely learned a lot and how they as newcomer students feel. We have also paired ourselves with Deborah, Siera, and Marwa and have become close to her.

Thank you.

Volunteer Student

The Youth Host Program has been a fun experience in which I have gained many memories and new friends. I enjoyed meeting my match and we were able to relate well. Although exam time was hectic, I did not have much time on my hands to speak to my match but I am hoping that we will be able to get together over the summer and hopefully she is able to attend the Youth Host BBQ. I enjoyed the Youth Host activities such as dodge ball, Science Centre, visiting colleges and universities and I am looking forward to participating in many activities this program offers.

Newcomer student

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WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS (WEALS PROJECT):

I got a lot of good information from this program. Before I was depressed a lot; I have no family or relative here and I felt I’m alone. As I attend these workshops my self-esteem and self-confidence and English language skills have improved.

Thank you all.

WEALS Program participant

The programs were terrific and really helped me realize my true potential. It has definitely empowered me in so many ways. The workshops were encouraging, positive, informative and educational. I am completing the workshops with a new attitude and a new outlook on life. It has changed me and made me a more creative and an even more positive individual than I was before.

WEALS Program participant

It’s such an amazing feeling that I am able to participate in Project WEALS Workshops. I have gained a lot of courage and good experience meeting ladies with familiar conditions so I no longer feel that it is only me suffering.

WEALS Project participant

WEALS Project, I think is an empowerment, encouraging and it gives freedom and life to a lot of us who feel that the world has turn its back against us.

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MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:

Mentoring a woman gave me a new goal, a new strong desire to be supportive to the needs and aspirations of immigrants, to build positive attitude which is critical to the Country they have settled in, It helped me to seek ways how I can earnestly help to find ways to plan good settlement for women.

A mentor

I was sponsored by my husband 5 years ago, I have nobody to turn to or discuss the abuse I suffered; someone referred me to WMRCC of Durham for support. Since then I have been involved in many programs the agency provides. I find the mentorship program very beneficial because my mentor is always there for me at any time. She is very supportive; now, I feel that I have a family I no longer feel isolated and sad about my situation.

Thank you all for being there, for listening, for caring, for not giving up on me and for giving me hope.

Mentee