Madison has helped me to feel included in Canadian society
I came to Canada from Iran as Government Assisted Refugee last year. When I arrived to Canada, I was dealing with a lot of issues and I therefore began to feel very depressed and anxious. I was living in a very small basement unit with my roommate. I was not able to move out of that place due to my limited income and I also endured discrimination and rejection for housing several times due to my sexual orientation and race.
My Madison-RISE Case Manager helped me to get housed through Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) by successfully placing me on a priority list. In addition, my Madison-RISE Case Manager assisted me with applying and getting approved for ODSP. She also connected me to a health centre so I have been able to meet a physician and counsellor regularly through the center. She has as well accompanied me to a lot of places for language and emotional supports and has helped me to register for an English class. Madison has helped me to feel included in Canadian society as I was able to participate in several of their programs and social recreation events which has helped me in not only get to know the culture better, but also make new friends and have more of a social life.