Lakhbir’s Story

Meet Lakhbir. She completed her license to become a Registered Nurse in 2023 and proudly calls herself a permanent resident of Canada, but she’s had quite a journey to get to this point.  
 
Back in 2018, Lakhbir was an international student from India studying mental health and substance abuse at the Conestoga College Campus in Brantford. That’s when she first heard about the Y. 

She immediately connected with a settlement worker who helped her navigate and put together the necessary documents so that her father could come to Canada on a visitor visa. Just a year later, Lakhbir reached out to YMCA Settlement Services for guidance in her search for employment and was given the tools to help her build a resume and look for a job.  

Lakhbir says it was the YMCA and the incredible staff that kept her going, even when it felt difficult. 

"[YMCA staff have been a] good mentor and motivator. [They] always ask about my plans and motivate me to go after them,” she says. 

Then in 2020, while Lakhbir was in India, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel. With her Temporary Resident Visa set to expire and unable to return to Canada, she reached out to the YMCA. Through video calls, Y staff helped Lakhbir figure out her next steps. 

When Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada launched a permanent resident pathway for healthcare workers in Canada in 2021, YMCA settlement staff encouraged Lakhbir to apply for the program.  Through video calls, Y staff worked with Lakhbir to help her prepare her application to be a permanent resident of Canada, offering suggestions and helping her avoid any errors. 

Finally, after 14 long months, Lakhbir and her husband received their Permanent Resident status. Y staff always made sure Lakhbir had a place to go for support. They never ceased to listen, give feedback, and provide information to help her succeed. 

Now that she was a permanent resident, Lakhbir focused on her next goal—becoming a Registered Nurse. A goal she accomplished at the end of last year!

According to those staff who worked closest with her, with Lakhbir’s positive outlook and determination it was no surprise when she received her Registered Nurse license in December of 2023. 

“Thanks again for your endless support and guidance,” says Lakhbir.

It’s been a tumultuous few years for Lakhbir, but thanks to support from the YMCA, she has been able to shine. Lakhbir is just one example of how The Y Saves Lives by giving everyone the opportunities they need to thrive. 

#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.

Give Now