Zara arrived at The Salvation Army’s Florence Booth House in 2022, but her story of resilience, strength and commitment to a better life began years earlier.

An Uncertain Future

As a woman living in Iran, Zara was persecuted and prevented from working or pursuing higher education. Fleeing the troubles in her homeland, she sought refuge first in Turkey, where she stayed for five years. While there, she was able to work in her chosen career as a journalist, but the dangers as a working woman forced her to leave.

“In my country, a woman doesn’t have any value, and I want to get an education,” Zara remembers. “My situation was terrible, and I had my education hidden from my family and my parents.”

Due to the threat of physical violence, the United Nations helped Zara move to Canada as a refugee, first to Newfoundland and Labrador, then to Mississauga, Ont., to create a new and improved life.

After just two months in Mississauga, Zara received the news that she would need to find another home, building on the uncertainty of her future.

Shared Experience

Alone, scared and without a place to stay, a friend connected her with Lieutenants Tharwat Eskander and Mirna Dirani, corps officers at The Salvation Army Mississauga Community Church. They brought Zara to the Florence Booth House, a 100-bed Salvation Army emergency shelter, part of The Salvation Army Toronto Housing and Homeless Supports, where she was given a room.

While living at Florence Booth House, her plan to return to school and employment in journalism suffered another setback when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2023.

Coincidentally, Stephanie Corringham, the director of Florence Booth House, had returned to work after treatment for the same form of cancer. This unfortunate circumstance led to a built-in support network to help Zara through the pain and emotional struggles of treatment, on top of the need to create a better situation for herself.

“I was alone, and I was shocked; it was a lot of stress to me,” Zara says. “Stephanie came to my room and introduced herself to me and said, ‘Don’t worry. I had the same experience with breast cancer.’ ”

" I didn’t know anything about The Salvation Army, but now that I do, I think it is very good and supportive." ZARA

Helping Hands

The Salvation Army supported Zara in accessing Ontario Works, completing housing applications and navigating Toronto’s tough rental market. Through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, the Florence Booth House team ensured her well-being while continuing housing applications and securing transportation for medical care.

By early 2024, Zara learned she was cancer-free, and The Salvation Army helped her find a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto, where she continues to recuperate. She remains determined to build a brighter future despite the physical and emotional toll of cancer and the challenges of starting over. She practises yoga daily to manage stress, studies English and dreams of pursuing an education in media to continue her passion for journalism.

“Stephanie and The Salvation Army helped me to find this place I am in,” Zara says. “I have peace here, and it is good for my health and my situation. I didn’t know anything about The Salvation Army, but now that I do, I think it is very good and supportive. Thank you, Stephanie, so much for helping me.”