Having a criminal record made a huge difference in my life. Getting a pardon will make a big difference. It will close the door on my past and give me a chance to work and not worry about my record stopping me or holding me back. I have not been able to work for many years. –
This client has now obtained a pardon and has shared that many new employment opportunities are available to her. This will place her in a more financially stable position, positively impacting both her life and the well-being of her children.
The application process is extremely convoluted and daunting to navigate on your own, and having clear support and direction makes a huge difference. This program removes much of the confusion and barriers people would otherwise face when trying to complete it on their own, and it provides the kind of practical help that many people simply wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
At first, I really didn’t want to be in the program, but after a while I started to feel more comfortable and actually enjoyed being there. I liked cooking and baking for everyone, and I learned things like journaling and listening to music to help me deal with stress and my emotions. I’m really proud that I stayed sober the whole time and finished the program, and I feel like I know myself better and have more tools to make good choices going forward.
Looking ahead, I hope to one day give back to EFry and support others the way I was supported. Thank you, EFry, for your compassion, your resources, and your unwavering commitment to helping women and families in need.
The assistance I received from EFry went beyond practical support-it gave me hope and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Their compassionate, client-centered approach helped me feel seen, heard, and supported during a time when I truly needed it.
Building a New Life in Canada with the Support of EFry
My journey to Canada began when I immigrated from Laos in search of a better future for my children and myself. Starting over in a new country was not easy, but I was determined to make the most of the opportunities available to me. Shortly after my arrival, I enrolled in the Health Care Assistant Program (HCAP)—a government-funded initiative supported by local health authorities that allows participants to pursue both education and employment simultaneously.
Through the HCAP program, I was able to complete my schooling while gaining valuable job experience, which gave me the confidence and skills I needed to begin building a stable life in Canada. After graduating, I focused on securing housing and was fortunate to find a basement rental that met my needs.
While there were many challenges along the way, I found that accessing government resources—and being open to asking for help—made a significant difference. Eventually, I was connected to the Elizabeth Fry Society (EFry) through Victim Services. That connection became a turning point in my journey. With EFry’s support, I was able to stabilize my living situation by securing housing, furnishing my home, and accessing food support for my children. They also helped me apply for and receive rental subsidies, which eased the financial burden I was facing.
The assistance I received from EFry went beyond practical support—it gave me hope and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Their compassionate, client-centered approach helped me feel seen, heard, and supported during a time when I truly needed it.
My Journey to Canada and Finding Hope through EFry
I am Hamasa. 16 years ago, I made the difficult decision to leave Russia and come to Canada in search of a better future for my children and myself. As a refugee, the transition was not easy, navigating a new country, language, and system while trying to provide stability for my family was incredibly challenging.
Despite my efforts to find steady employment, the income I earned was not enough to keep up with the cost of living. I found myself falling behind on my utility payments, and I was soon at risk of having my electricity and gas disconnected by BC Hydro and FortisBC. As a mother, this situation was frightening and disheartening. I worried constantly about how I would keep my home warm and safe for my children.
Thankfully, both utility companies directed me to Elizabeth Fry Society (EFry), and that is when I was introduced to Yasmin. From our very first conversation, Yasmin treated me with compassion and respect. She listened without judgment and understood the urgency of my situation. Through EFry’s support, Yasmin was able to quickly provide the assistance I needed to pay my overdue utility bills, helping me avoid disconnection and giving me peace of mind.
Her kindness and swift action made an incredible difference during one of the most stressful times in my life. I will always be grateful to Yasmin and the EFry team for stepping in when I needed help the most. Their support not only helped me meet an urgent need but also reminded me that I am not alone—that there are people and organizations who truly care.
Looking ahead, I hope to one day give back to EFry and support others the way I was supported. Thank you, EFry, for your compassion, your resources, and your unwavering commitment to helping women and families in need.
Thank you for all your support, had it not been for you, my 3 children and I would be homeless. The grocery shop ensured my children had food and the subsidies kept a roof over our heads. Thank you does not seem enough but please know how grateful we are.
From the school that John attended
John has been doing a lot better at school; he has been able to ask for help when needed, has fewer outbursts at home, has positive peers at school that he associates with and is working on a plan to transition to high school now. A year ago, the family came in tears during the intake, and now they are seeing such a great transition and impact SHINE has been able to support them with.
From the father of John,
As we near the end of John’s counselling sessions I just wanted to say thank you. John seems to have more tools in his belt when it comes to describing feelings and taking moments to gain clarity versus responding immediately in anger/upset.
I wish we could see you longer in this capacity, but I also realize that there are other teens/youth in need.
I know that our mentorship journey is also coming to an end. I can say that John has valued the time he’s spent with you, and the messaging is slowly trickling in.
You came into our lives at a pretty dark time, and I wanted to say I am seeing a lot more light!!!!
Deep gratitude to you!
A Journey of Strength, Support, and New Beginnings
My name is Sadaf. I am a mother of two children and a proud newcomer to Canada. My journey began when I arrived in Canada as a refugee, starting a new chapter of my life alongside my parents. During those early days, I felt hopeful and supported, and thankfully, the transition was smooth.
Before moving to Canada, I had become engaged in my home country. However, like many others, I encountered unexpected challenges along the way. There was a difficult period in my life when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. That is when I was fortunate enough to connect with Yasmin from EFry. She was not only incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, but also warm, kind, and genuinely compassionate. Yasmin supported me through the process, helped me access the resources I needed, and provided encouragement when I needed it most.
Thanks to her guidance and the support of EFry, I was able to move forward with confidence and hope. Today, I feel more empowered, stable, and ready to continue building a better future for myself and my children.
A few years after settling here, I returned home briefly and then came back to Canada determined to build a stable future. I secured full-time employment at McDonald’s, which allowed me to begin the process of sponsoring my husband. With hard work and perseverance, the sponsorship was successful, and we were reunited.
I am deeply grateful to EFry and to Yasmin for their kindness, understanding, and unwavering support. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in my life.
I am very pleased with the service and helpfulness that this program provided to me. Such an overwhelming feeling of trying to drive that on my own, that I just didn’t do it. Working with the Pardon Me Program helped me follow through. I am very grateful.
The application process is extremely convoluted and daunting to navigate on your own, and having clear support and direction makes a huge difference. This program removes much of the confusion and barriers people would otherwise face when trying to complete it on their own, and it provides the kind of practical help that many people simply wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
Having a criminal record made a huge difference in my life. Getting a pardon will make a big difference. It will close the door on my past and give me a chance to work and not worry about my record stopping me or holding me back. I have not been able to work for many years.” – This client has now obtained a pardon and has shared that many new employment opportunities are available to her. This will place her in a more financially stable position, positively impacting both her life and the well-being of her children.