Mariia's Story

Meet Mariia. She is a Ukranian National and in June 2023—as the war with Russia continued—she made the difficult decision to leave her home country, come to Canada, and start a new life. 

Arriving in Toronto, Mariia quickly made her way to Hamilton where she was connected with the YMCA's Ukraine Housing Support Team. This team helped Mariia find temporary housing and eventually safe and secure permanent housing, and she settled happily into her new home.  

Being able to trust the YMCA during this difficult and confusing time was a relief to Mariia who was unsure of the process of finding housing, how rent agreements worked, and what areas to live in.  

Now that she had a home, Mariia was looking for a job and took full advantage of the YMCA’s Employment and Settlement Services. She participated in conversational circles, mentorship programs and worked with an Employment and Settlement counsellor.  

“I remember, when I couldn't find a job for a long time and how YMCA staff encouraged me. It's hard to explain how important it was for me at that moment,” Mariia says. 

That encouragement led Mariia—who has a master's degree—to apply for a part-time settlement position with the YMCA, assisting recently arriving Ukrainians at the Hamilton International Airport. Her strong motivation and experience working with people from diverse backgrounds helped her get the job, and she became a YMCA employee in September 2023. 

Mariia shined during her time at the airport, showing her dedication and passion for helping others who were going through a similar situation. She was soon offered a full-time position as a settlement worker with the YMCA, where she helps Newcomers from all over the world successfully settle into their new community. 

“When I was a client, I used many Y opportunities to help in my settlement. I know how it feels to be a newcomer, I know what my clients feel, and it helps me now as a Y staff,” says Mariia. “I know exactly what they might need or be interested in and how I can encourage and support them.” 

Mariia has not only become part of her community, but she is an integral part of the YMCA Immigrant and Settlement team.

“If you told me just year ago that I would be working with people, I wouldn't have believed you. I couldn't even imagine how happy I would be in the social industry. The YMCA helped me discover my potential.” 

The YMCA helped Mariia escape a dark situation and thrive in a new country and community. Our employees sparked the potential in Mariia, and now, as a YMCA employee, Mariia is sparking potential in every newcomer she meets. 

#ShineOn #YSavesLives 


At the YMCA, we support people at every stage of life, helping them overcome any obstacle they may face. When you donate to the YMCA you spark the potential in every young person, adult and senior.

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