He added: “I learned about the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre when I first arrived, because at the airport they gave me a list of different places where I could go. I chose the YMCA because it was the most central. On my third day, I went to the YMCA to look for information. For me, it was a reference point, a great place to obtain information and direction”.

Juan moved downtown Toronto as he found a room and would walk to the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre to find all the resources he needed. In the beginning, he needed a lot of information as well as a computer and the YMCA was the perfect place.

He attended almost all the information sessions available at the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre. Juan acknowledges the YMCA for helping him find his footing, “I am very happy to be in Canada and I am aware of the different problems newcomers face, but I always focus on the positive side.  I feel that I have a double life in Canada, because on the one hand, I am promoting myself as a Director and working on creating my own company and that is something I know will take at least 5 years and, on the other hand, I am taking advantage of my language abilities to earn a living both outside, as well as inside, the TV industry. I think it is very important to create an action plan with long-term and short-term goals so you can keep focus. The YMCA Newcomer Information Centre was also a reference point for me to get support and meet friendly people."

Juan has already developed a network of people in the film and television industry and was recently chosen as a 2006 Quebecor Fellowship recipients. In October 2006, he was also select as one of Reel World’s Emerging 20. Juan’s goal to set up his own production company in Canada and create films that deal with Latin America and Canada can’t be too far away.

Juan is very satisfied with his achievements and with the support he found at the YMCA.