Yoshi’s story in Canada is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of self-discovery. Arriving in Vancouver as a newcomer in 2023, Yoshi faced the overwhelming task of starting a new life in a foreign land, compounded by the complexities of his identity as a 2SLGBTQIA+ individual.
After arriving from Malaysia, Yoshi had a mixed bag of struggles to align and create a stable life. He discovered the various supports available for newcomers in Canada and took a confident step forward when he found MOSAIC. The I Belong program played a crucial role in guiding Yoshi through the settlement process and especially the challenging refugee claimant process. Navigating the unfamiliar terrain of paperwork and legalities, Yoshi found reassurance in the I Belong support worker’s expertise.
MOSAIC’s I Belong program provides a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and newcomers alike to connect and receive personalized settlement assistance, including counselling sessions and peer support groups. Over the past decade, the program has supported many individuals like Yoshi, helping them navigate their unique journeys.
Coupled with other struggles, the setback of being unable to work due to the lack of a work permit added a layer of difficulty as Yoshi awaited his refugee status to be accepted. Vancouver’s high living costs loomed large, but the support worker, understanding the urgency of the situation, became a source of practical assistance. By introducing Yoshi to resources like the food bank and income assistance, the worker helped alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures.
As MOSAIC helped him through the process of gaining a work permit, Yoshi actively engaged with MOSAIC programs, seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. Sessions on food safety, first aid, and other relevant topics not only enriched his knowledge but also provided a sense of purpose.
As weeks turned into months, Yoshi’s persistence bore fruit when the long-awaited work permit finally arrived. With newfound knowledge and a growing network of friends within the community, Yoshi seized the opportunity to transform his initial struggle into a success story. Yoshi drew on the connections established at MOSAIC and secured employment as a customer service representative at Concord Pacific, a real estate development firm. This offered Yoshi financial stability and helped him find a sense of purpose in his new home.
Yoshi’s triumph goes beyond overcoming the challenges of settlement; it’s a celebration of embracing his identity in a new cultural context. The support, information, and companionship offered through MOSAIC not only facilitated practical aspects of settlement, but also nurtured a sense of belonging and acceptance.
In the end, Yoshi’s journey from vulnerability to resilience serves as an inspiring example of the triumph of the human spirit. His story underscores the importance of community support, self-discovery, and facing adversity with determination and courage. Yoshi not only found a new home in Canada but also discovered the strength within himself to build a successful and fulfilling life.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of MOSAIC’s I Belong program, which has been a pillar of support for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers since its inception. Find more information on the I Belong program and its events and stay tuned for more updates!
