Anastasiia's Story: A Story of Strength, Hope, and New Beginnings
When Anastasiia speaks about her journey to Canada, her story is one of remarkable resilience. Originally from Luhansk, Ukraine, she and her family were first displaced in 2014 during the Russian occupation—and once again in 2022, when the full‑scale war forced them to leave behind their home, community, and the life they had worked hard to build.
Starting over isn’t easy. It means stepping into the unknown, saying goodbye to a successful career, and arriving in a country where everything feels new. For Anastasiia, one thing mattered most: finding a safe place where her daughter could grow, learn, and thrive. Canada became that place of possibility.
When her family arrived in Hamilton, the first challenge of securing housing without Canadian work or credit history felt overwhelming. Anastasiia remembers how difficult those early days were, but also how quickly support arrived.
“The YMCA supported us from our first weeks of staying in Hamilton,” she says. “The YMCA Housing Team helped us find the great lodging that we’ve been renting since then.”
From there, her path forward began to take shape.
With help from the YMCA, Anastasiia completed her language assessment and enrolled in English classes at Mohawk College. She began at a CLB level 4, and through dedication and countless hours of study, she is now proudly completing level 7, a milestone she once thought was out of reach.
When her English skills reached level 6, Anastasiia was ready to start looking for a job. Despite her determination, weeks of applications brought no success. That’s when she connected with Hanna, a YMCA settlement worker supporting Ukrainian newcomers. Their coaching sessions made all the difference. Hanna helped her understand where her job search was getting stuck, guided her in building a strong Canadian-style résumé, and shared practical strategies for navigating the local job market.
But what truly boosted Anastasiia’s confidence were the mock interviews. Real, hands‑on practice that helped her feel ready for any opportunity.
Soon after, she learned about a position in the YMCA’s School Aged Child Care (SACC) program. She applied, and got the job. Today, Anastasiia is a valued member of the YMCA team. She sees her work not just as a job, but as a chance to give back to the community that welcomed her. She feels aligned with the YMCA’s values, connected to her colleagues, and excited about her future within the organization.
Today, Anastasiia reflects on her journey with gratitude and hope.
The YMCA didn’t just support her family through settlement—it helped them find a place that feels like home.
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