Gayatri - The Importance of the Family Resource Centers

 Gayatri is quiet and calm. Her demeanour belies the turmoil she has experienced. Leaving behind limited opportunities in India, Gayatri and her family came to Canada full of optimism. That faded as they encountered hardships in adapting to a completely new world. Language was a big obstacle to overcome. In addition, the family was without basic household items to make being at home more comfortable.


WINS Free Goods Referral program was Gayatri’s introduction to WINS. This program helped her finish her home. Overcoming that first hurdle enabled Gayatri to enrol in English courses, and she has completed her first year. The ability to communicate in daily life settings has built her confidence and enabled her to tap into other opportunities. 


Through the Family Resource Centre, Gayatri has a place to come and practice English with other women. “I have met friends,” she says. “And I feel a real sense of community.”This eases her insecurity about being here. She has improved her ability to write and read English.

She has also learned new parenting skills, home safety, and job searching skills. She enrolled her son in the Stepping Stones program to get ready for school. Gayatri thanks WINS because they are always there to help when she is unsure of how things work. She is able to learn where to go for help within the community.


“Learning English is the biggest priority,” she says. It helps her with other programs like the computer course she is so proud to have completed at the Center. “I can use the computer now for internet, email, and to look for a job,” she shares. Although she is quiet and careful in her word choice, there is an underlying confidence.


“WINS helped me to get the basic things that I needed. Now they help me focus on the next steps,” she tells us. Gayatri has goals now. She tells us she is glad the Family Resource Center is there to help her.“It is important to families,” she says.

 
 
 

Women In Need Society - WINS

3525 26th Ave SE Calgary, AB   T2B 2M9

403.255.5102

Donation Pickup Line 403.252.3826

WINS Charity Reg # 135 185 411 RR0001