Logo
  • A A A
  • Home
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
  • Hide Activity
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn ChangeIt Blog Donate

Menu

  • Home
  • I Need Help
    • Emergency Resources
    • Shelter FAQs
  • About
    • History
    • Board of Directors
    • Careers
    • YWCA Niagara Region FAQs
    • Y the W Campaign
  • Our Work
    • Emergency Homeless Shelters
    • Transitional Housing
    • Housing First
    • Skills Development Centre
      • Sex Trade On My Terms
      • Women’s Addiction Recovery Mediation (WARM)
    • Information Resources
    • West Niagara Affordable Housing
    • SmartSaver
  • Your Impact
    • Message of HOPE
  • Corporate Gifts
  • Client Journeys
    • Beth
    • Cynthia
    • Ellie
    • Heather
    • Jamie
    • Karen
    • Kim
    • Margaret
    • Natalie and Jaime
    • Dede
    • Heather & Chad
    • Jane
    • Pam
    • Lily
    • Tammy
    • Yasmine
    • Hannah
    • Paola
    • Trina
  • Ways to Help
    • Donate
    • Legacy Giving
    • Food Donations
    • Volunteer
  • Communications
    • Our Blog
    • Annual Reports
    • Newsletter
    • Media Relations
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • No Fixed Address
    • Third Party Events
    • Niagara Leadership Summit for Women
    • Power Of Being A Girl
    • The Cardboard House

Macie – Part I

January 28, 2019Uncategorizedarranged marriage, canada, depression, hope, new beginnings, YWCAFranziska Emslie

When Macie refused to enter into an arranged marriage, her family cut her off.

Macie first came to Canada as an international student. She was fortunate to have a family back home in Africa that was able to provide her with the means needed to study towards her degree in Hospitality and Tourism at Niagara College. Macie enjoyed her course and getting to know Canadians and their culture. About six months into her studies, however, she got the call from her family that changed her life. They expected Macie to return home to enter a marriage that had been arranged for her. A marriage to a stranger who is in his 50s. Macie is 20 years old.

“I have never felt this scared in my life,” said Macie when she came to the YW on a cool morning in April. She had begged and pleaded with her family, trying to make them understand that she wanted more of life than to be a wife to a stranger and to bear his children. Her family was shocked and felt ashamed by their daughter’s refusal. They cut off all of Macie’s support, their way of trying to force her to come back to Africa. Over night, life became a battle of survival.


Macie felt alone and scared and lost. She began to slip into depression.

Macie applied for refugee status which, thankfully, she was granted. While that took one worry away, it still left her forced to drop out of school. Macie started to work a minimum wage job that turned into a part-time job in the colder winter months. It was not enough to make ends meet. She was no longer able to afford her accommodation. Forced to move, she rented a room she found online. Macie felt alone and scared and lost. She began to slip into depression.

Finally, thanks to a friend at work, Macie learned about the YW and the many programs we offer and she decided to apply. She entered the Off-Site Transitional Housing program in June of 2018. During her time in the program Macie has continued to work and support herself by taking as many hours as possible at work. Macie signed up as a volunteer for as many organizations as she was able to fit into her schedule. She has applied and been granted permanent residence in Canada. And her biggest joy of all, thanks to all of her hard work and drive, she will be starting back to her post-secondary education in September 2019. The strides she has made within only a few months of being in the program are nothing short of amazing. “I am so grateful for the support of the YW and my incredible worker. With the YW in my corner, I can overcome anything. I can’t wait to see what my next six months in the program will bring.”

Macie shared her journey with us earlier in 2019. Only a few months later, she had even more amazing accomplishments to share with us… read Part II of Macie’s story >>>

  •  

Post navigation

← Paige’s Journey After the Dust Settles →

2 thoughts on “Macie – Part I”

  1. gianina carletti says:
    January 31, 2019 at 10:02 am

    HELLO Macey;

    WE ARE NEVER ALONE . canadians open their hearts to me as an inmigrant and through that generosity I found peace and now I speak English which makes fear disapear. I found a home in this country , not just brick and mortar , a real place called
    Canada my home. I dont care if it is cold , I am safe.
    Thank you for sharing your story. I have a daughter and I you have given me a perspective as to the freedom that we women deserve. WELCOME TO CANADA

    Reply
  2. Kim says:
    January 31, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    Aweome story. Your hard work, deturmination and courage is truly amazing. Welcome to Canada, we are lucky you chose here to begin to realize your dreams. You are living life by design. 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply to gianina carletti Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Recent Posts

    • Rotary Club of Grimsby
    • My life in shelter
    • Macie – Part II
    • Volunteer Spotlight: Alexis
    • Truly Local, Truly Committed
  • Archives

  • Categories

  • About our Blog

    As the official blog for the YWCA Niagara Region, we are proud to give space for our community voice to be heard. The perspectives shared on this blog come from many different writers, both YW staff and YW community members. Each writer brings her unique perspective to current issues, events and ideas. It is our hope that this blog will both inspire and motivate you to join us as we advocate for the women in your community. Post your comments and thoughts and share this blog with your friends and family.
  • Interested in Writing?

    We welcome women from the community to join our blogging team and share your perspective. Fill out our Volunteer Application and bring your voice to our blog.
  • Niagara Region United Way Niagara Niagara Poverty Reduction Network Delta Bingo

    CRA# 108229816 RR0001

    Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy | Board Login | Staff Portal
    Niagara Website Design by Future Access Inc.

    •