Rahabet was relieved to finally arrive in Toronto after so much upheaval in his family’s life.

Rahabet and his wife had been in Ethiopia for 15 months after fleeing Eritrea. They were lucky to be together; so many families had been separated in the refugee camps. They dreamed of building a future of stability and opportunity for their son and unborn child here in Canada. Rahibet wondered where to begin such a big task in a new country?

For Rahabet’s family, it began at the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre. They had so many questions but the YMCA helped us through the entire settlement process: from completing government forms, to guiding them to affordable housing, dental and health care and school for their son. The YMCA English Language Assessment Centre evaluated their English skills and referred them to Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada so that they could integrate better.

YMCA Employment Services also helped Ragabet write a resume and search for jobs. The employment centre taught him how to use their resources and helped him to identify possible employers. Today he has a full-time job and the peace of knowing he can provide for his family.

Now he helps at Newcomer Services, as a volunteer translator. The YMCA treated Rahabet’s family with respect and made their transition much easier.