“My husband and I got introduced to Clare in 2016 through a friend we studied together in Greece. Clare took us in without a prior relationship. We We were worried, and as a new couple making Calgary our new home, we were mentally stressed and drained because we knew no one in Canada. Clare made us comfortable and told us not to worry about rent or food. Clare and her Family fed us and housed us for six months. Because we were treated like members of her family, and when we least expected or planned, we got pregnant living with Clare and her family. Hands Lifting Hearts is indeed supporting African immigrant families who need support.”

“We met Clare of HLH by introduction and referral from a nurse, Linda, at Best Beginnings Alberta Health Services. We are pregnant and came in as Permanent residents, but we don’t know anyone in the city. During one of our visits to the AHS, we were told about HLH and given their number. Clare took us in and supported us by getting baby essentials and getting connected to other resources that ordinarily we wouldn’t have known about. HLH made sure we were birth-ready. She connected us to one of her volunteer support staff, who called us daily to ensure we were well-prepared mentally and physically. Our experience would have been different if we had not had the support of HLH. Thanks to Nurse Linda for connecting us to this wonderful organization.”

"I came to Canada as a student and was pregnant. I got here without knowing many people, just one person who is my brother’s friend, who then introduced me to the Muslim community. One family in the community became my family, and I was connected to the owner of HLH by ‘my auntie.’ Mrs Clare then took me as her own family as well for months. She helped me look for accommodation and get ready for the baby. She connected me to the resources in the city for myself and my baby’s essentials. She brought baby items to the house and constantly called to check on me. When it was time for the birth, one of her team came with me to the hospital, and my auntie was my labour support. They brought gifts to the hospital and home. She was at my son's naming ceremony. Mentally, as a student and a new mum, it's been very overwhelming for me, but HLH has been a great support. Thank you, HLH, for all you are doing for us African mums, especially regarding our mental health counselling to prepare us for a new country with no family."