A home of hope and compassion

By Sr. Norma Samar, O.L.M.
May/June 2010

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

Credit: Cheyanne Childforever
At Nazareth House in Toronto. Seated L-R: Crystal and baby, Sr. June Dwyer of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and Michelle and baby. Front L-R: Suzana and Sr. Norma Samar.

Canada is a beautiful country. All the world’s cultures exist within her population. Amidst this diversity, what are our Canadian ideals? Presently, I am a volunteer at Nazareth House, which is directed by Sr. June Dwyer of the Sisters of St. Joseph. With the help of all the staff, Sr. June works to build community for the women who live there.

All who come to their doorstep have different stories to tell. At Nazareth House they find refuge, peace, and joy with other women who also experience hardship and struggles in living day to day. Sr. June and her staff strive with these women to bring about a healthy atmosphere of love, peace, support, and compassion—values that are needed in every human community.

The evening meal is the best time to see everyone together, sharing their experiences of the day along with food that they take turns to prepare. Crystal’s words speak of her deep appreciation of Nazareth House and how much her life has changed since coming there:

“I was eight months pregnant, homeless, and single with no family. On my arrival I was given a clean room and a laundry day, as well as an addiction counselor who guided me through the Nazareth House Program and offered me other programs in the community. One of these was Breaking the Cycle, a program of Mother Craft College of Early Childhood Education. I am now 14 months clean and sober, and have learned living skills so that I can take responsibility for my daily living and the effective care of my child—a healthy, beautiful, loving and charming little girl. I would not have had her in my care if it were not for Nazareth House. Soon I will be ready to move out on my own and continue my programs. I am trusted by the Child Protection Services to live on my own with my daughter and care for her. I have decided to go back to school by the end of the year. I have to thank Sister June and staff for giving me the opportunity to have a life and for the many skills I have learned as well as for the support I received as I went through my struggles. Lastly, I would like to thank Sister Norma for volunteering on Fridays and helping me cook or share, and watching over my child.”

Many women leave Nazareth House well on their way to healing, with new hope and courage, believing in their self-worth to continue the journey into wholeness and independence.

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article