From the Perspective of Halifax Operations Manager
During one of our group meetings at our home, we decided to talk about our achievements and what we were grateful for during the week. Every resident spoke about personal achievements, which were met with laughter and congratulations. It was a beautiful positive environment.
When we finally got to our newest client who had recently moved in, she sat in silence for a moment before bursting into tears. The group was silent, giving her a moment to process her feelings and collect herself. She finally whispered with happiness and pride, “I bussed for the first time on my own today to the supermarket and made my first purchase.”
Those of us who are lucky enough to come from healthy families tend to take for granted the small things that give us independence. These are things like having a bank account, getting groceries or in the case of this client, taking the bus alone. It’s hard enough to navigate these daily tasks for the first time knowing the language of the country, but for refugees and newcomers, language creates an additional barrier that stands in their way.
This may seem like a simple goal for anyone, but for an immigrant who had just left a ten-year abusive marriage, it was a massive milestone in her new journey. She was able to do something for herself, by herself, and build her confidence in leading a self-sufficient life.
Residents like her helped me understand the importance of empowerment of self — how printing a map for the client, explaining how bus routes worked and handing her superstore gift cards were part of making the client feel like she could come out of her comfort zone and take her first steps towards self-reliance.
The impact of that group meeting had a deep effect on me long after it was over. Our newest client’s emotions filled the room with pride and hope as she achieved something that seemed simple but was really a huge deal. She had the courage to break free from an abusive marriage that had lasted for ten years and set out on a journey to self-reliance, showing just how strong the human spirit can be.
Seeing her triumph made me realize that empowerment of self is about more than just giving material help. It’s about providing a safe and nurturing space where people can discover their inner strength and reach their full potential. Each small step taken by the women at Nisa Homes reminds us of our important goal: empowering women to face challenges and heal to create a future full of possibilities.
The experience also taught me the power of community support. Despite our different backgrounds, we found common ground in our shared struggles and dreams. The understanding and support within the group created an atmosphere where everyone felt heard, valued, and motivated. We celebrated not only our individual successes but also the strength we gained from supporting one another. This caring community has become a source of inspiration and resilience for all of us.
At Nisa Homes, we are committed to nurturing an environment where individuals can grow, heal, and flourish. Together, we will continue to build a close-knit community that uplifts and empowers every resident, allowing them to embark on their journey toward independence and self-sufficiency.
