From 26 Letters to 3 Job Offers: Farhiyo’s Journey

When Farhiyo arrived at Saint John Airport on September 12, 2019, she stepped into an entirely new world.

Originally from Somalia and arriving in Canada as a Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR), Farhiyo came with remarkable resilience. She had previously owned a business, was raising her family on her own, and was expecting another child. But she also faced enormous challenges. She didn't speak English, didn't know anyone in her new community, and was preparing to welcome a new baby while building a new life from scratch.

"When I came to Canada, I didn't even know the 26 letters of the alphabet. Nothing. No English, no people, only winter. But the YMCA did everything for me. They became like my family, my friends."

From the moment she landed, the YMCA Newcomer and Community Connections team was there to help. Staff welcomed her at the airport, arranged temporary housing during the early days of the pandemic, connected her family with healthcare, and helped them begin settling into life in Saint John.

Just a few months later, Farhiyo welcomed her fourth child, a leap-year baby born on February 29. As a single mother raising four children, she knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But she was determined to create a brighter future for her family.

Learning English became her first goal.

Starting at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 1, Farhiyo worked tirelessly to build her language skills, eventually progressing to Level 3. Along the way, she learned essential computer skills, from using a mouse and navigating digital maps to accessing online resources that would help her navigate everyday life in Canada.

She enrolled in the YMCA's sector-specific training programs, earning certifications in housekeeping, janitorial services, and workplace chemical safety. With support from the YMCA Employment Services team, she built her first Canadian resume, prepared for interviews, and began applying for jobs with confidence.

The YMCA's support also extended to her children. While Farhiyo attended classes, the team helped connect her family with childcare, youth programming, and School Settlement (SWIS) services. Her oldest son even secured his first job at McDonald's with support from the Employment Services team.

Today, Farhiyo's children enjoy staying active through YMCA swimming and recreation programs, and the family has built a strong sense of belonging in their new community.

"Before, back home, I had my mom, my sister, my brothers to help me raise my family. Now, in Canada, it is just me. I am running the whole army alone, but the YMCA made it possible."

As she gained confidence, Farhiyo wanted to give back to others beginning the same journey she once started. She began volunteering with the YMCA, helping prepare homes for newly arrived refugee families so they would feel welcomed from the moment they arrived in Saint John.

Recently, Farhiyo received three separate job offers within days of one another, a milestone that reflects years of perseverance and hard work. Today, she balances early morning shifts beginning at 5:30 a.m., continues improving her English through online classes, and raises four active children while building the future she dreamed of for her family.

When asked what she would say to newcomers arriving in Canada feeling scared or overwhelmed, her answer comes without hesitation.

"Don't stress. Saint John has good people, and the YMCA will help with everything, school, community, jobs, language. The YMCA is my home now."

At the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, every newcomer's journey is different, but each begins with the same belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, grow, and thrive.

About the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. Through health and wellness, newcomer support, child and youth development, and community programs, we remove barriers, stand against racism and exclusion, and ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Help Us Tell More Stories

If you’re reading this and someone from our YMCA community comes to mind whose story deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and share their story so we can continue highlighting the voices, moments, and impact that make our YMCA so special.