What was the initiative?

This initiative aimed to engage and empower newcomer and refugee mothers. The focus was on building a supportive community where mothers could connect with each other, access resources, and enhance their advocacy skills. Hanan’s initiative featured various activities, such as community lunches, workshops, and meetings with service providers, all designed to foster self-advocacy, self-care, and empowerment. This initiative worked to support the mothers as individuals, and also to strengthen their collective voice in addressing systemic barriers they faced, including issues with their housing and broader community challenges.

What was the community connection?

Hanan’s connection to the community was deeply personal and inspired by her mother’s experience as a newcomer to Canada. When Hanan’s mother arrived in Canada with four children, she initially navigated challenges alone until she connected with other women in similar circumstances. Together, they built a support network that provided emotional, physical, and mental well-being, which became a vital source of strength. Drawing from this experience, Hanan sought to recreate this type of support system for newcomer mothers in Ottawa. As a Fellow, she worked to foster trust and belonging within the community, providing resources, facilitating programs, and connecting mothers to each other and essential services. Her approach combined her personal motivation with a commitment to empowering these mothers to thrive in their new environment.

How was it innovative?

This initiative was innovative in its approach to community-building and empowerment. Rather than focusing solely on top-down support, Hanan emphasized self-mobilization, skill-building, and advocacy as central components of this initiative. By engaging mothers in creating a circle of support and encouraging them to speak out for their needs, Hanan fostered a participatory environment where the mothers could take active roles in improving their lives and the lives of their children. The use of collaborative workshops and partnerships with local organizations created a dynamic, resource-rich environment for the mothers. Additionally, the emphasis on adaptability and empowerment in the face of adversity allowed the initiative to remain responsive to the mothers’ needs.

What is Hanan doing now?

Hanan has completed a certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University and is now working as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Ottawa Pubic Health.