For Mulky Liban, the journey to Canada was a chance for a new beginning. At six years old, her family fled war and conflict in Somalia, but even in South Africa, their security was still not guaranteed.

“It was also not safe in South Africa,” she recalls. “When I was almost 18, I was left alone with no siblings, and I was seeking a place to sleep from different places and people that I know.”

Despite these hardships, Liban persevered. She became a personal support worker and worked as a translator for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). During her time in South Africa, she had three children, now aged 10, seven and five. As a single mother, Liban recognized the need for a more stable environment for her kids.

In March 2023, the UN relocated Liban and her family to Windsor, Ont. While Canada provided security, Liban faced the task of rebuilding her life in a foreign country. She found that guidance through The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope (POH).

“I remember the first call telling us I was leaving for Canada. I was so excited, and we were so happy knowing our life would change forever,” she says. “I’m doing everything for my kids to have a better future. Canada is home now.”

Through the POH framework at the Army’s Windsor Centre of Hope, Liban received help to focus on specific goals, such as education, housing, transportation and financial stability. With the guidance of Maha Salem, outreach program manager at the Centre of Hope and Liban’s caseworker, the young mother began her journey toward self-sufficiency.

Liban now attends classes at St. Clair College, where she is upgrading her skills to pursue a career as a lab technician. She says education is about her personal growth and setting a positive example for her children.

“Going back to school is one of the best things I’ve done, and I’m looking forward to getting a stable job and supporting my kids,” she says. “They are proud of me and encourage me.”

With help from The Salvation Army, Liban and her children now have a place to call their own and she is on a waitlist for supportive housing. Liban also gives back by volunteering at her children’s school and hopes to help others in the future, just as POH helped her.

Reflecting on her journey, Liban credits POH with transforming her family’s life.

“This program is helping refugees like me. I encourage others to join Pathway of Hope. From one year ago to now, my life has changed so much for the better.”

Liban’s resilience is an inspiration for everyone around her, Salem says.

“She is always receptive and fights for her goals. There’s new energy, and she’s happier and more hopeful. It’s so nice to see that growth,” she says. “Despite the challenges, Liban has made incredible progress. She’s achieved her goals while caring for her children. Watching her flourish has been a true pleasure.”

Pathway of Hope not only changes lives for the better, but it inspires people to reach their full potential. To learn more, visit salvationist.ca/community-mission/pathway-of-hope/introduction.

Chris McGregor is a content marketing specialist in the Ontario Division.