Stock photo used to protect client’s privacy.
Watching Varsha* singing with her young students, you would never know what journey she went through to secure her job, her freedom and well-being.
Varsha was born in India but moved abroad with her husband’s family once they got married. Isolated in a new country, she found herself in an abusive marriage with extremely controlling in-laws. After enduring this for seven years, she was excited to learn that she would be immigrating to Canada soon.
Varsha finally saw a chance for a better future, but starting over in a new country wasn’t easy. With three young children to care for, limited financial support from her husband, and very little English skills, she felt overwhelmed and alone.
“If I didn’t come to Archway, my life would be zero, but now, step by step, everything is better. I am happy.”
“I didn’t know what to do. No money, no job, no help. I was very scared,” Varsha recalled.
She eventually found work, but when she came home, her husband would physically abuse her.
“He beat me with a stick, a belt, a cooking spoon, he wouldn’t stop. I had scratches all over.”
One night the abuse escalated to the point that the police were involved, and they had to live separately for two years. It was while she was in court that she was referred to Archway and connected to the Moving Ahead Program (MAP).
The program, designed to support immigrants and refugees facing multiple barriers, provided Varsha with one-on-one guidance and community resources. That’s where she met Manjot Luthra, her MAP caseworker, who became a pillar of support.
“Varsha was in survival mode when she first came to Archway. She had the strength to move forward, but she just needed the right guidance, encouragement, and resources,” said Manjot.
Through MAP, Varsha received emergency food support through the Archway Food Bank, counselling, and help navigating government systems. Varsha was determined to find work to support herself and gain independence, and Manjot assisted her in finding a path toward employment.
Did You Know?
The Moving Ahead Program (MAP) provides one-to-one support for immigrants or refugees who are facing multiple barriers to successful settlement into Canada.
“Varsha is a very talented woman. She was a teacher in India, and when we talked about career options, I encouraged her to consider early childhood education (ECE). She had the heart for it, and we helped her find the right resources to get started,” said Manjot.
Manjot supported Varsha in enrolling in English classes, applying for financial aid, and connected her with other Archway programs that would help her find employment. For example, Varsha was connected to Employment Mentors’ Employment Readiness Series, Community Connections’ One-On-One Volunteer Match program and she even volunteered at the SEVA food pantry.
Taking these first steps was daunting, but with Manjot’s guidance and funding support from WorkBC, Varsha enrolled in an ECE program while continuing to support her family. Balancing coursework, caring for her children, and dealing with the emotional toll of an unsupportive husband was no easy feat.
“The homework was difficult, and sometimes I didn’t understand. But whenever I needed help, I would call Manjot. She never said no,” said Varsha.
Despite the challenges, Varsha completed her ECE course and secured a job as an early childhood educator earlier this year.
“Now, I go to work, and I am happy. I am singing for the kids, and they are all happy and the teacher is also very happy with me.”
Though life is still challenging, Varsha is no longer alone. Thanks to Archway’s Moving Ahead Program and community support, she has built a foundation of independence and self-sufficiency.
“If I didn’t come to Archway, my life would be zero,” she said. “But now, step by step, everything is better. I am happy.”
“Varsha has come so far, and I have no doubt she will continue to grow. She is an inspiration, not just to her children, but to everyone who meets her,” said Manjot.
* Real name withheld to protect client privacy
“Varsha was in survival mode when she first came to Archway. She had the strength to move forward, but she just needed the right guidance, encouragement, and resources.”