Beginning Again in the Face of Adversity: Moud’s Story

Content Note: This story discusses sensitive topics related to financial control. Please read with discretion.

Starting a new life in Canada requires courage and resilience. For many newcomers, settling into a new country means facing barriers such as housing, healthcare and employment. Beyond these common challenges, Moud’s journey brought unexpected obstacles. Her story is an example of the vulnerabilities newcomers face and what is possible when faced with no other choice but to start over.

In 2019, Moud arrived in Canada to join the family she had been working for as a caretaker. With her three children back home in Zimbabwe, Moud wanted to create more opportunities for her family and eventually reunite with them.

Three years after arriving, a visit to the bank revealed that one of the family members Moud had been living with was receiving government benefits, including Ontario Works and child benefits, under her name. “She left my bank account with nothing,” Moud shared after learning about the fraud. Wanting to figure out her next steps, Moud was introduced to IWC by a community social worker.

She connected with IWC’s Social Service Worker, Eiman, who provided support and resources to help her navigate the situation. Together, they contacted Hamilton Police and the CRA to report the fraud. After speaking with the CRA, it was confirmed that the individual was receiving several benefits under Moud’s name.

This discovery shook Moud, and since she no longer felt comfortable with her living arrangements, Eiman arranged for her to have a bed at a local women’s shelter. Moud described the sudden transition from leaving her home to moving into a shelter: “It was so difficult, I was shocked.”

Living in the shelter system was not easy, but Moud stayed committed to building a life in Canada despite her extraordinary circumstances. While the experience could have felt isolating, she found connection by attending a Zimbabwean church where she made friends and enjoyed cultural food. She engaged with her community and participated in work preparation programs at IWC and the YWCA. During this time, Moud also achieved significant milestones, earning her high school diploma and receiving a YWCA Women of Distinction award.

As she continued to build her foundation in Canada, Moud successfully landed a job in 2024 after connecting with the YMCA. Within a few months of starting her new role, she gained financial independence, moved out of the women’s shelter and found a new place to live.

"Sometimes, it's good to be patient."

- Moud, sharing lessons from her settlement journey

When asked what helped her stay resilient, Moud said, “Sometimes it’s good to be patient.” She shared that without patience and knowing what she wanted in life, she might have returned to Zimbabwe. What’s next for Moud? She plans to get her driver’s license and go back to school.

Since arriving in Hamilton six years ago, Moud’s story brings hope when needing to start over. Through her commitment to her vision, patience and the community she leaned on, her experience shows that transformation is possible even in the most challenging circumstances.