A Story of Resilience – Sephora

When Sephora immigrated to Canada in 2022, it was not by choice but by necessity, following the assassination of Haiti’s president in 2021: “When the first man of the nation can be assassinated in his own home, you start to question whether you're safe.”

Sephora arrived in British Columbia with her husband and their young daughter, Yolanda, after her employer of 7 years offered her a position at their Vancouver head office. It was an opportunity, but one that came with many challenges.

“When you move to a different country out of obligation, as a mother, it’s really hard to start over. And when you flee for your safety, for your life, you don’t plan anything and you don’t take much with you.”

Preserving Culture

Sephora grew up speaking Creole and French in Haiti. But when the family arrived in Vancouver, Yolanda was still very young. She had barely started walking and was not speaking yet.

Soon after arriving, Yolanda began attending an English daycare, and Sephora worried that her daughter might never learn French.

“In my culture, we live as a family. Grandmothers are nearby, aunts are nearby, even the neighbour is like a member of the family. The language is always there.”

Moving to Vancouver brought a cultural shock: “Canada is a beautiful country, but I felt the difference right away. People don’t really chat with each other. They don’t know the neighbour on the left or the one on the right.”

Wanting to build connections, make friends, and immerse herself in Canadian life, Sephora began researching community programs, including ones offered in French.

That’s when she discovered the HIPPY program offered by Réseau-Femmes Colombie-Britannique.

Making Room for Connection

When asked what has changed most in her life since joining the program, Sephora answered without hesitation:

“It’s a soft obligation to make room for quality time with my daughter.”

Even on days when she feels exhausted or overwhelmed, the program gives her energy. Whether it’s a visit from her home visitor, Makalé, or completing the weekly activities with Yolanda, the time they spend together has become deeply meaningful.

Yolanda has already noticed the difference: “She does not remember that I bathe her, that I clothe her, that I brush her hair, that I feed her, but she does remember that I play with her.”

Before we left, Sephora shared one final thought: “I wish your programs spanned over 10 years!”

A First Francophone Program in British Columbia

The At Home in Canada programs offered by Réseau-Femmes Colombie-Britannique are the first of their kind in British Columbia – a meaningful milestone for Mothers Matter Canada, whose head office is located in Vancouver.

The program is led with passion by Naouar Belhou, supported by a mighty team of two home visitors, Makalé Simba and Ines Mizero.

Through a network of over 55 program delivery partners across the country, Mothers Matter Canada offers programs from coast to coast. Since 2000, our At Home in Canada programs have supported more than 27,000 mothers and transformed over 66,000 lives.

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