David Lopez’s Story

David Lopez came to the settlement program after being referred by friends. He and his family, who were accepted by IRCC under Protected Person status, received information about our services through these referrals. They needed assistance with applying for Permanent Residency for the whole family, which consists of six members.

Olga addressed their needs by gathering detailed information about the necessary paperwork and family details, then provided comprehensive guidance on the application process. She utilized various resources, including phone consultations, computer research, and face-to-face meetings.

Additionally, Olga referred David to the center’s interpretation and translation department for document assistance and connected them with external resources like Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, and YMCA programs for children. The services were successful, with Olga helping them with all six applications. The support and resources provided led to a smooth and efficient process, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall experience.

“Excelente atención al cliente, la señorita Olga nos ayudó mucho con el proceso de registro para Ontario Works y también para hacer el trámite de residentes permanentes. Lo recomiendo mucho para todas aquellas personas que necesiten ayuda con todos los procesos gubernamentales de este bello país de Canadá.”

Legacy Family Case – Pension Support

This is a Mexican family who arrived in Canada in the early 2000s. They have been facing challenges related to immigration, pension income, and subsidies, specifically the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Ontario Old Age Security (OAS). The family had been reaching out to our settlement workers for assistance over the years and turned to our center once more to clarify a complicated situation due to language barriers. We met in August at the Kitchener Public Library to address their pension doubts and process.

The unique aspect of this case was the long-standing relationship with this family as a legacy client. They knew how to reach out to us for help, given our past assistance. To address their problem, I first contacted the social worker to determine their eligibility for specific benefits. After gaining clarity, I guided them through the application process, helping them fill out the necessary forms and ensuring they were mailed correctly. Simultaneously, the social worker advised us to remind the family to update their information with Service Canada.

We serve as the bridge between this family and the complex Canadian forms for this procedure, primarily due to language barriers. The family’s familiarity with our services and their trust in us as a legacy client made them feel comfortable seeking our help. As a result, we were able to provide guidance, clarify the pension application process, and assist in reminding them to update their information with Service Canada.

While it may not be a “happily ever after” story, it demonstrates how even small victories can significantly impact someone's life for the better. The family’s ongoing connection with our center highlights the sense of belonging and community we offer, making us their go-to source for support.

Asha’s Story

First time I entered the center was in early 2018, after two months of my arrival to Canada. The first person I met was Wasan, who welcomed me and explained the services for newcomers. She introduced me to Eunice, who welcomed me to her office (March 2018, before COVID-19). She helped me a lot till the moment I am writing this letter.

At the beginning she explained the claim process, applied for the work permit, social number, filled out forms, found accommodation, and applied for my Permanent Residence. More than that, any question I had, she replied by email or phone—she was available anytime during the day.

During my refugee case, my lawyer asked me for documents translation, so I approached the Multicultural Centre and met Fatah, who was just like a brother I left behind in my former country. He translated all my documents to English, and my Toronto-based lawyer started calling Fatah directly to fax the translated documents. Fatah replied as if it were his own case.

Later, when I needed a Police Clearance Certificate, I failed to get a reply from my former country. I called the Multicultural Centre again, and Suha Al-Hindawi immediately applied correctly for me. Within one day, I received my Police Clearance Certificate.

“For them it’s their job to help, but for people like me—refugee newcomers feeling lost in a new country—they open their arms to make you feel at home, talking to you sincerely to find the exact way to help.”

Note: The people at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre are happy to help, willing to go beyond their duties, and always remind me at the end of their help to reach out if I need anything. I never felt that I am alone. Thanks a LOT!!

Jamal’s Story

Jamal is a refugee from Syria who came to Canada with his family in 2018. He had good work experience as a bus driver and limited English language skills upon arrival. Jamal immediately started attending ESL classes to improve his English.

He came to KWMC for settlement support and was referred to our Pre-Employment Program. He attended our “First Job in Canada” workshop, “Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps,” and WHMIS training to become job-ready.

Jamal’s employment counsellor helped him apply for a position at Linamar, where he was hired as a full-time machine and forklift operator. After two years, he was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Later, Jamal reconnected with KWMC to update his resume and apply for jobs in manufacturing. Though opportunities were limited, he was eventually hired by Toyota Boshoku as a full-time forklift operator. Being able to work and support his family in his mid-sixties makes him proud and happy.