“It’s been years since I last saw or held my children. At the end of our turbulent marriage, my ex-husband took them from me, leaving without a trace or contact.

I have spent all my time frantically searching for them since that day, holding onto the last threads of hope of ever seeing them, until finally someone told me he may have shifted them to a different city.

I picked up my life and moved to the same city in hopes of finding them. But there were other obstacles that stood in my way. Despite being a Canadian citizen and working professional, I had lost all my papers and important documents over the years. I couldn’t get a job, let alone get medication for myself when sick. I knew that even if I found my children, fighting for custody would be near impossible.

I needed to fix my own situation before continuing in my search. However, I didn’t know anyone who could help, and I had nowhere to go so the local masjid connected me to Nisa Homes.

I don’t know how but Nisa Homes and my amazing caseworker helped me get all my papers back! They helped me get my SIN number and all my missing documents, even though it took several weeks.

With their support, I was able to get a part time job, working up to renting my own apartment. Now that I’m settled and have a stable life of my own, I can go back to focusing on the search for my children. I feel more confident in looking for them and Insha’Allah I am reunited with them soon!”

This story is based on a real Nisa Homes’ client. However, details and names have been changed to protect identities of all involved.