My name is Caryn and this is my story. I am a qualified lawyer from South Africa. On 4 March 2024, my husband and I emigrated to Canada. We didn’t really know anyone and we didn’t have any source of income.

A week after landing I began my job search. It was time-consuming and oftentimes, it seemed futile. I would send countless applications and I would receive many rejections or worse still, not receive feedback at all. I felt really discouraged. I had left a stable job and my home in South Africa for a better life. Now, I was living in a motel without any source of income. I was worried about how long I could survive on my savings.

I was referred to the YMCA by a new friend that we had made in Canada. I met Sharon Munslow on April 1st 2024. She asked me a few questions and provided information and resources to help me find a job. After our meeting, I sent her my resume which she reformatted and tweaked to look more professional and to meet Canadian standards. I then applied for many jobs. About two weeks after, I was contacted for a virtual interview at a reputable institution. I was really excited. I did well in this interview and I was asked to come in for an in-person interview. Throughout this process, I felt supported and I was given the resources needed to succeed. Sharon was very caring and she was genuinely interested in my progress. She contacted me regularly.

I am happy to say that I was offered and have since accepted my dream job. Emigrating is not easy and trying to find a job is a huge hurdle for newcomers. The support, advice and resources provided were invaluable. I am really grateful to Sharon and the YMCA and I would really encourage all newcomers to join the program