By Bernie Forestell
When Yousra first noticed Shepherds of Good Hope fourteen years ago, she had no idea how much it would change her life. An immigrant from Syria and a single mom with two young boys, Yousra walked by the shelter on King Edward Avenue when she had been living in Canada for just a few short months.
“I saw some people waiting outside this building, and I wondered why they were there,” she recalled. “When I found out it was a homeless shelter, I asked, ‘How can I help?’”. That was the moment her life began to change.
“I started as a Shepherds volunteer, then I was hired as a frontline worker, now I’m a coordinator, and I get to work with all the volunteers who give so much to us and the people we help,” she explained.
When Yousra was living in Syria, she was on her way to becoming a lawyer. Once she started working at Shepherds, her career aspirations changed. She went back to school, studied social sciences and addiction, and dedicated her life to giving back. She’s been doing so ever since.
Her life changed in other ways too. Yousra met her future husband, who was also working at Shepherds. They got married and their children have grown up volunteering at Shepherds and knowing about the importance of giving back.
Yousra described her experience: “Shepherds is the first place I found belonging and community in Canada; this place is full of memories for me. From saving someone from an overdose, handing out sandwiches, booking community volunteer groups, working with students, and being a part of the close-knit Shepherds team. The organization has a culture that welcomes all without judgement, allowing us to contribute to our community in many ways.”
Yousra has lived the life-changing experience of volunteering and working at Shepherds of Good Hope. She has seen the impact one person can make, and the impact Shepherds can have not only on service users, but on volunteers. Since 1983, when Shepherds first served meals to people who were hungry in Lowertown, volunteers have been, and continue to play a key role in helping those experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.
“We have volunteers in their nineties who never miss a week,” said Yousra. “We also have students from Ottawa University, and community groups who give their time and expertise to the people we help.
“We have volunteers in their nineties who never miss a week,” said Yousra. “We also have students from Ottawa University, and community groups who give their time and expertise to the people we help. It’s inspirational.”
During the colder days of winter, a family appeared at Shepherds community kitchen. They were looking for warm clothes and boots. They weren’t fully aware of what the kitchen provided; they just saw people lined up outside and figured this was a place they could get help.
Yousra remembered how Shepherds helped her and asked them if they’d like to volunteer. They said yes. Now, a mother and daughter from Afghanistan who are new to Canada are making friends, helping people and adapting to life in their new country. Yousra hopes they will find the same fulfilment she did by becoming part of the Shepherds community.
“While volunteering at Shepherds, my English improved. I got a job. I switched careers. I met my husband. I became a proud Canadian,” said Yousra. “All because I happened to stop at Shepherds and ask ‘How can I help?’”.
“I am privileged to be able to work with people from all walks of life,” said Yousra. “I tell the volunteers they are like stars that shine in many hearts. Every volunteer I speak with just wants to do something nice for someone else. When they do, they change lives. It’s a wonderful thing.”
To volunteer at any Shepherds of Good Hope locations, please visit www.sghottawa.com/volunteer
Bernie Forestell is Senior Manager, Communications at the Shepherds of Good Hope