Maria Christina

Four years ago, Maria Christina and her family came to Canada fleeing political unrest in Columbia. They left behind their extended family, friends, a successful family business—almost everything.

Although Maria Christina was frightened, she also felt hopeful.

“I brought a lot of dreams for me and my family. You have more opportunities here."

Despite her optimism, she was soon overwhelmed with the stress of working, caring for her family, and taking English classes. She left her job. Soon afterwards, her marriage fell apart.

All of sudden, Maria Christina found herself an unemployed single mother trying to raise two young boys in a foreign country.

“Every day I was crying,” she says. “I was very depressed.”

Then she read about a self-employment program for women, and signed up right away. A week later, the program started.

Although her life was still full of challenge, very slowly, things began to improve.

Maria Christina was gratified to learn the program not only taught her to launch a small business, but also provided vital emotional support during an exceptionally difficult time.

“At the time, the program was the best part of my life,” she say. “It’s not only staff. It’s not only classmates. You have family there.”

Now, one year later, Maria Christina and her mother have launched a business selling handmade jewelry. Her two sons are thriving, and she feels confident about the future.

“I’m getting closer to my dreams. I can see a better future for me and my sons.”