Many of Logifem’s residents are immigrant women who have arrived in Canada within the last few years. Not only are they dealing with trauma linked to homelessness, conjugal violence, mental health problems and poverty, but they are also facing specific difficulties connected with immigration such as difficulty navigating Montreal and its services and challenges related to language and integration. We knew we had to develop services to better meet their needs.
So when Logifem received some funding from the Secretariat de la condition féminine du Quebec , we developed an Intercultural Twinning Program to address the social isolation and language barriers experienced by newly arrived immigrant women. This program’s objective is to foster an egalitarian relationship between volunteers who have been living in Quebec for years and immigrant residents. The hope is that both participants will discover the richness of one another’s culture, diversify their interests, and perhaps even develop a friendship with time. They are to meet a couple of times a month and are encouraged to do activities together.
A dozen motivated volunteers responded to our request. Our first cohort was formed. Volunteers were trained and paired with residents according to their interests. A meeting was held to introduce the twins and to kick off the program! Of course food, music and laughter were center stage. We’re happy to report that both volunteers and residents are super excited about this enriching experience.
Here’s a video celebrating the courage of Yuphana, a Logifem resident who has overcome many challenges to be able to build a life for her and children in Montreal.