Testimonials

My name is Jamey Buckingham. I have had the pleasure of going through the process of rehabilitation and becoming sober, allowing me to be the best mother I can be. When I met Nancy I was struggling with addiction and mental health. I was in jail and pregnant. I really needed somebody to take a chance on me and that somebody happened to be Nancy. As bad as I looked on paper, she believed in me and saw the potential in me that no one else could. She took me into Shifra Homes and I was given all the support I needed to succeed in my sobriety and in motherhood. I truly thank Nancy from the bottom of my heart for everything she has done for me and other women/young mothers. I am currently a student at Sheridan College studying Social Work and have completed my first semester with Honours! I honestly don’t know where I would be in life nor do I think being a mother would have been an option for me. Nancy works hard and long hours. She does this with love and care from the bottom of her heart. She is a wonderful woman and deserves the utmost recognition. She continues to change the lives of many young mothers and babies providing them with a hopeful and bright future.

When I first moved into Shifra I was really nervous. I felt lost, unwanted, and unimportant. I didn’t like not having my own place. Before moving in, I lived with roommates and had the freedom to do what I wanted. I didn’t want to be at Shifra but my family was not able to help me and my only other option was living where I was with people who stole my food and a house that was never clean. My roommates fought, did drugs, stole from me and even left dishes in the couch. So obviously I wasn’t going to stay there with my son on the way. I knew that I would never have another opportunity to have a better start at life if I didn’t move. So I packed all my stuff and said goodbye. When I got into Shifra, I unpacked and slept. Nancy had bought me new blankets, pjs, and a pillow. I crawled into that little bed in the basement and felt peace. You see the other part I didn’t mention, was that I had been sleeping on a couch for a month and a half. I was already 5 months pregnant. There are schedules at Shifra, and classes, people to talk to. But I wouldn’t open up. I barely talked. By day three I broke down and cried because the fridge was full of food and you never had to ask to eat. The wakeup call at 10 helps me to this day with routine. It’s very important to have one. The prenatal classes made me feel part of something bigger and gave me friends outside of Shifra. Trust me you will make friends. I found my voice, my confidence, and love. There is always someone there for you. There is always help. There is always home. That’s what Shifra became for me. I saved enough to pay most my bills. I have plans to go back to school and I have new sisters. I have some days living on my own now where I miss them. And when that Monday comes and I get to see them, because I still go visit, it’s hard to leave. Don’t fight them like I did. Don’t resist the urge. Shifra is a magical place that can and will provide you with everything you need. All you have to do is ask. Nancy and Amy will always be there for you. They become your Mama Bears. They teach you things in ways that allow you to learn on your own. They will push you to be the best mother you can be. Honestly without Shifra I would not have found myself again. I would not have my own place, or the new sisters I have. I truly hope that anyone who reads this just knows this: I was an addict, my family wouldn’t talk with me and I had huge debt. Now, I’m clean almost two years, I have a home, I’m healthy, and basically debt free. My family talks to me again and I feel loved. So to everyone I ever met at Shifra, thank you. Thank you for a second chance at life.

I found out I was pregnant in my second year of University; I had been dating this guy on and off for the past four years. Following my decision to continue on with the pregnancy, the father had left me and I had been kicked out of my home. This was most definitely the scariest and loneliest moment of my life. I reached out to Compass Point and they put me in contact with Shifra Homes. Nancy, the Executive Director of Shifra, welcomed me with open arms, both literally and figuratively. She made sure to get to know me and make me feel respected, valued and appreciated. She makes sure the house is filled with love, support and opportunity. My little man is the happiest, most patient and content toddler in the world. I truly believe he is this way due to the fact that he never, not for a single second, felt abandoned – and that’s in part due to the support that I received from Shifra Homes. The people who generously donate, the health providers who diligently take care of us, the students who encourage us, and the loving, understanding women who run the program, all while standing by our side every step of the way, made this possible. Going back to Shifra isn’t unlike going back home. It was and will remain, till the day it stays standing – my safe haven – and for this, I am forever grateful.

I stayed at Shifra Homes because I was with my ex-boyfriend and I was living with him and his family and it was not a good relationship. He was mentally, emotionally and verbally abusive; his parents were like that too. I decided to leave his house when I was about 3 months pregnant because I knew if I stayed and they found out, that they would fight with me and try and force me into getting an abortion and if I didn’t they would kick me out. I went into a women’s shelter the day I decided I was not going hide my pregnancy anymore. I left work early, packed my things and left. After that my ex and his family became rude and his dad began harassing and threatening me and my family. My mom thought it would be better for me and safer to get out of Hamilton so I came to a Burlington Shelter, stayed for a few weeks and both the shelter and my mom told me about Shifra Homes. Now that I’ve been here and I’ve gotten to know Nancy and Lisa, it’s been amazing. They have been there for me through everything, I can talk to them about anything and they’ll be there. They take really good care of us here, and since being here with them I don’t feel stressed out anymore, it’s amazing what they do and who they are. Nancy will do everything and anything for us and to see us happy. I love her. If it was not for this house and these women I really would not be who I am today. I would not know what to do in raising a child or how to deal with stress or depression. I greatly appreciate all that I’ve been blessed with.

To Nancy,

I was 6 months pregnant when I layed on my aunt’s sofa bed, looking out the window. Tears overflowing, begging to God to provide a home for my son and I. I was 7 months pregnant, at the Go station, cold, smelling, praying and hoping that God says yes.

 When you said yes to me, that was God saying yes to me. Shifra is beyond a miracle; I realize that I have gotten so comfortable that I forgot to be intentional. I want to say thank you and express how much all that you do means to me.

 When my son was abandoned by his father. You are the one that said yes to taking care of him, all his needs. From his birth Certificate, Circumcision to taking him to the doctor. I am beyond grateful, Nancy, you are on in a million, I pray that, Jesus comforts, and blessed your heart when things get too much and overwhelm you win his love and care. Trust like you have done for us I love you and by the grace of God will be more intentional in expressing it.

Much Love.

Dear Mama Nancy,

I don’t even know how to put into words what you mean to me. You didn’t just give me a place to stay. You gave me a home and the care of a true mother. You fed me and my child, supported me from the very beginning, and pushed me to become the woman I am today.

You love and accept everyone, no matter who they are, and you work tirelessly to make sure we are safe, supported and cared for.

You’re a lifesaver, a true blessing and a mother to so many of us. I will always run to you when I’m sad, when I’m happy, when I feel lost and when I succeed. Th future holds the best for me and Jesse, and I promise to make you proud.

May God bless you for the incredible person you are.

I will always be grateful for you.

I Love You,

Nancy,

Thank you for welcoming me into Shifra Homes. It has been an amazing experience for me and my baby. Without your hard work and generosity, I’m really not sure where we would be. Through my time in Shifra may be over, all of the moms, babies, staff, and students/volunteers will forever be in my heart. I have so many memories to look back on and smile about when things may get hard. The wisdom, life skills, and strength I have gained during my time at Shifra is something I will be eternally grateful for. You have helped me pursue my dreams and accomplish so much, and I thank you for always being proud of me.

Because of you, there’s someone who is thanking God today, someone who appreciates your warm and caring way.  Someone who’s remembering the special things you do. And wishing you his blessings every day the whole year through.

It is bittersweet leaving Shifra. I was nervous when I first moved in and scared of becoming a parent. You accepted me with open arms and gave me the confidence and assistance that I needed becoming a first time mom. Without your love, support, and guidance, I feel I would have been in a very dark place. Thank you for everything you have given me and my baby. These are things I will never be able to repay you for. I am so honoured and grateful to know you. You are an inspiration and I plan on visiting often.

From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you, you have changed mine and my baby’s life.

We love you Nancy <3

“Nancy,

You have, without a doubt, changed my life for the better. Before I met you, I was so scared of wha the future held/ I didn’t know if I would be able to raise Luke, and I had no idea how I would provide for him. Then I met you. You gave me a home where I felt loved and accepted for who I am. This gave me the self-confidence I needed to thrive in motherhood. Now, after knowing you, I am so excited for what the future holds. I know that, whatever is thrown my way, I can handle it. I know that I have it in me to build a good life for Luke and I.

I truly would not be here without you, not even close.

The love and kindness you have shown me, and Luke, is unlike any I have ever received. You are a gift from god, to me and every woman and baby that has had the privilege of being on the receiving end of your kindness.

I cannot adequately express just how much you have changed my life.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Love,

MB was just 17 when she found out she was pregnant. Alone and afraid, with no family to turn to, she feared that she and her baby would become “just another statistic.” Having grown up in the foster system, she knew too well how easy it was to fall through the cracks.

She searched everywhere for help, only to discover that many shelters in her area had closed or couldn’t provide the support she needed. Just when she was about to give up, someone referred her to Shifra Homes.

“That moment changed everything,” she said. “For the first time, I felt hope like there was a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.”

The first few days at Shifra were overwhelming, but the staff and residents welcomed her with open arms. “It didn’t take long before the house felt like a family somewhere I was safe, seen, and supported.”

At Shifra, MB learned the life skills she was never taught how to care for herself, maintain her space, and build a future. With every small victory, the team was there to cheer her on. She graduated high school with straight As just three weeks before giving birth. She got her driver’s license, bought her first car, and was accepted into every college she applied to.

“I had lost myself in survival mode,” she said. “But Shifra helped me find myself again not just as a mom, but as a woman with dreams, worth, and the strength to build a better life for my child.”

Programs like art therapy and baby massage helped MB bond with her baby while also healing parts of herself that had long been neglected. “Those moments reminded me I was more than my trauma. I was becoming who I was meant to be.

JC, one of our clients, arrived at Shifra Homes when she was seven months pregnant, having been sleeping in a church due to homelessness. She had moved to Canada to pursue post-graduate education and discovered her pregnancy while in school. With no support network or family in the country, she had to pause her studies. We took her in at Shifra Home and provided her with immediate shelter, safety, food support, mental health counseling, and other assistance. Following the birth of her daughter, we extended her stay at the shelter to allow her to complete her education, providing assistance through volunteer tutors, babysitting, and additional support as needed.  She has now earned her MBA, and with the help of our support network, transitioned to her own apartment. We continue to provide her with a monthly rent subsidy of $400 and weekly food support. JC has secured a job at RBC bank in Toronto, highlighting the success residents can achieve with comprehensive wrap-around services and support system. She has formed strong bonds with other residents, whom she now considers her sisters, as they support each other while navigating single motherhood and independent living. Through Shifra Homes, JC not only found stable housing, pursued education, and became a loving mother, but also built a supportive family and community for life.