For over 50 years, our Agency has welcomed immigrants and refugees from around the world to Alberta. Through the support of the Fall Sign of Hope appeal, our Immigration and Settlement Service is able to provide a range of settlement supports to help newcomers, like Francis Wabudeya and his family.

Francis and his family came to Canada from Uganda. They were met at the airport and then connected to a Settlement Counsellor who assisted them with the transition to their new life in Canada.

Francis said that without the assistance of our Immigration and Settlement Service, he would still “feel lost”. He can’t imagine what would have happened to him and his family without the help of his Settlement Counsellor.

The Wabudeya family has adjusted to their new life, and Francis is now an Electrical Engineering student. The compassion and respect that Francis received is something he felt he needed to return.

“I was helped, so why can’t I help someone?” he said. Shortly after receiving assistance, Francis began volunteering at Catholic Social Services’ Homework Clubs, which provides homework supports to newcomer youth in elementary, junior, and senior high schools in the city of Edmonton.

Francis eventually found a summer job with the Summer Youth Ministry. After numerous opportunities to interact with the newcomer youth, Francis said he “feels lucky” to be working with these kids, and paying forward the kindness he received.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our client