After Savita’s son was born, life at home became unsafe and isolating. With no close connections in a new city and new country, she turned to her computer—her only lifeline—to reach out for help. The Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) answered. Through CIWA, Savita found counselling and support that helped her and her son escape to safety. More organizations such as Momentum helped provide a safe path forward for Savita and her son. But Savita’s story doesn’t end there. She went on to help create the FirstStep volunteer group, guiding others to resources and hope. Her journey reminds us that when we invest in people, they don’t just rebuild their lives; they go on to change the lives of others.

“When I came, I had nobody. No friends, no support. The only person I knew was my partner. You can imagine being pregnant with no one to talk to, it really impacts you and your health.”

I arrived in Canada from India with dreams many people share—a healthy baby, a happy family and a good home. My husband, who I met through an arranged marriage, had already established a life here. When I arrived, I thought I would naturally slide into this life of his, but it was very difficult.

At home, I wasn’t given access to money, my permanent residency card, or even a cell phone. There were constant fights. Whether it was physical, emotional, I was left alone all the time. Conflicts escalated until one day, while feeding my three-month-old son, my partner pushed me. That was the day I knew I needed to do something. Soon after, I called 911 for help.

Ultimately, the fear for my child’s well-being gave me the courage to act. I began a desperate search for help online, emailing several agencies, where only the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) replied. I walked across the city in December’s cold with my baby in my arms. The team welcomed me, played with my baby and gave me space to finally take a breath for the first time in months. CIWA provided me a safe space and was there for me when I really needed a home.

Through CIWA’s programs, I learned new parenting skills, gained Canadian work experience and eventually got a job with them, which was a full circle moment for me. Along with my new friends that I met through the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter—now called FearIsNotLove— we launched FirstStep, a volunteer group that provides support for newcomers, focusing on domestic violence and mental health. I always tell the people who come to us: you come first. No matter what, we all matter. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your age, your skin color. We are all equal.

My hope for the future is for a community where people look out for one another, where no one feels unseen or alone. My courage came because of my son. Nothing can break me.