She realized her life was in danger
How you helped Jane rebuild her life in Canada
Living in Egypt, Jane entered an arranged marriage with her husband. She understood she was in danger soon after the wedding day.
“I realized the second night as a married couple that this man is going to murder me,” Jane recalled. She endured years of severe physical and sexual abuse, while bearing three children before her 17th birthday.
Concerned her children would one day suffer the same abuse, she successfully applied for refugee status in Canada and fled Egypt with them.
“They gave me all the information I needed”
Jane found herself in Toronto, not knowing the language, what to do, or who could help. Fortunately, she met an Arabic speaker at the airport who told her about Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS).
CCS connected Jane with a Newcomer Support Program worker who helped her navigate the complicated immigration process. A Transitional Housing Support Program worker helped her find an apartment, apply for income support, and sign up for employment assistance. A Newcomer Mental Health worker helped treat her symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“CCS saved my life,” Jane says. “They gave me all the information I needed to make the right moves. Today I have money of my own, an apartment, and my children are finally safe and happy.”
Photo: A participant of English classes run by Catholic Crosscultural Services