In the summer of 2012, I returned to Winnipeg from the reserve. I was 4 months pregnant and not employed. I began to job search. Well, I didn’t have luck finding a job. As soon as I told them I was pregnant I was not considered for the position I applied for. I didn’t experience discrimination like this before, it felt awful. So, I ended up on assistance. Not a good feeling either, I was made to feel even more ashamed for accessing help. The first EIA worker I dealt with made me feel so low about myself that I wondered how people can go through this, on a daily basis. I was given a hard time by this worker and was shamed for coming for help. That didn’t stop me though because I needed help. What an awful experience to go through. After that, I met up with an old friend who told me about PFSS and that’s where my peace of mind began. I was introduced to an organization that would help me get back on my feet and made me feel good about myself again.
I attended prenatal sessions there. I also utilized the free counseling services. Counseling helped me get a hold of my thoughts and feelings and helped me to put things into perspective. I felt empowered by talking to another woman who helped me see the light again. I was alone and broken down when I first came to PFSS, then I met the staff and felt the love. This organization helped me with baby supplies and emergency food when I needed it. I took comfort in knowing that there was no judgment and no shaming.
I participated in the activities at the Resource Center and enjoyed meeting other people who understood what I was going through. As my daughter was getting older, I put her on the waitlist for the childcare. When she was two, she became a TCC child. The TCC staff helped us with the transition and was very understanding and reassured me, it’s ok. She will be ok. Well, my girl was ok. My daughter has flourished since being in the TCC daycare. I took the parenting classes offered by PFSS. Nobody’s Perfect and Positive Discipline. The classes are a great chance for parents to build on the skills that we all have and can utilize. What a way to feel good about being a parent. I learned many new skills and built upon the skills I was already using.
I signed up to volunteer for the summer, as I waited for school to start. I was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a casual position with the agency and began work at the Family Resource Centre. My self confidence went through the roof and I began to feel empowered again in a different way. I just couldn’t believe it. This organization has seen me at my lowest and brought me back up to my highest that I have been in awhile. They believed in me enough to hire me and work with community members. The Resource Centre provides a vital service to community members and beyond, the doors are not subject to catchment areas. I am so grateful for this organization helping me become whole again. PFSS (Thrive) is a very important organization to this area and to the people it helps. This world is tough and has many obstacles. If we can make it a little bit easier for someone to have a better day, why not help others?
I believe in the power of love; this organization has lots of love to give to people. I am so blessed to have them in our lives. Thrive is very important to the people in the community. This organization is a staple in this community.
I believe in the power of love; this organization has lots of love to give to people. I am so blessed to have them in our lives. Thrive is very important to the people in the community. This organization is a staple in this community.
