Return to flip book view

Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022 Storybook

Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022Land Acknowledgement The Mothers Matter Centre's centraloffices are located on the ancestral andunceded traditional territories of theCoast Salish peoples, including thesəl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm(Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Úxwumixw(Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam) Nations. We are grateful tolive as an uninvited guest upon thetraditional territories of the Coast Salishpeople, who have lived and cared for thisland from time immemorialInterviews by Marija Robinson, JessicaMyers, Fiera Lo, Monique Best, CynthiaAlves and Audrey Bourassa-TaitStories written and edited by MarijaRobinson, Cynthia Alves and MoniqueBestMother's Matter Centre, April 2022 Thank you to Harbour Centre Printing& Copying for printing this book.2

Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022Contents479111315171921232527293132333435The Mothers Matter CentreChief RoseAnne ArchibaldDr. Alaa MurabitMaureen BoydSanaa ChararaChristina PierreEsther NdikumasaboMonica SilvaDivina ChaseMelanie TallioEman AbouelyazidDivya RajuEman AlShweikhNelcy LopezNominated HIPPY Home VisitorsNominated HIPPY MothersFunders and Program SponsorsHIPPY Program Partners 3

The Mothers Matter Centre The Mothers Matter Centre — previously known as the HomeInstruction Program for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)Canada — is a not-for-profit, registered charity incorporated inOctober 2001. We are a virtual, national consortium of organizationsdedicated to serving socially isolated and low-economic-status mothersand their families. We work with isolated mothers where they live – at home – connectingthem with other mothers in their communities who share an intimateawareness of the issues and challenges they face. Since our inception,the Mothers Matter Centre has transformed more than 50,000 lives.We helped more than 18,000 mothers gain new skills and abilitiesessential to strengthening mother-child relationships and preparingtheir children to get the most from their early school experiences.The Mothers Matter Centre (MMC) celebrates women’s everyday —yet extraordinary — achievements with the annual presentation of ourBecause Mothers Matter Awards. The awards recognize prominentCanadian mothers and outstanding mothers from the HIPPY programfor their commitment to their communities and the example theyprovide of the powerful role mothers play in leading social change.Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022Because Mothers Matter Awards 20224TreasurerTreasurer

5Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022

AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa TagamouNation is a strength-based and heart-centered leader, with 31years’ experience in First Nations politics. RoseAnne is a third-generation Chief in her family whose leadership has beenground-breaking and historical for women and youth. In 1990,at just 23, she was the first woman and youngest Chief electedfor Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN). She was also the firstwoman and youngest Deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe AskiNation (NAN) as well as the first female and youngest GrandChief for Mushkegowuk Council. RoseAnne has dedicated herlife to striving to create a better quality of life and future forFirst Nations people.Chief RoseAnne Archibald Because Mothers Matter Mother of the YearBecause Mothers Matter Awards 20227

Dr. Alaa Murabit is an award-winning medical doctor, globalsecurity strategist, women’s rights advocate, United NationsHigh-Level Commissioner on Health, Employment & EconomicGrowth, and one of 17 Global Sustainable Development GoalAdvocates appointed by the UN Secretary-General. Dr. Murabitis also the 2020-2021 Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute forAdvanced Study at Harvard University and was most recentlyrecognized by the Canadian Government as one of the 100Most Influential Women in History.Dr. Alaa MurabitBecause Mothers Matter Mother of the YearBecause Mothers Matter Awards 20229

Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022Maureen Boyd Because Mothers Matter Trail Blazer Award Maureen Boyd is the Chair of the Parliamentary Centre and theFounding Director of Carleton University’s Initiative forParliamentary and Diplomatic Engagement. She has worked inpolitics, the media, and government, including incommunications and public policy, and as a national politicaland current affairs reporter and television news host. Maureenhas been a member of the MMC's Board of Directors for thepast 12 years. Maureen's unrelenting dedication to what wasthen HIPPY Canada was pivotal to the organization's successfultransformation into the MMC.11

Centre des services communautaires Vanier (HIPPYOttawa)J’ai enseigné l'arabe dans les écoles primaires et secondaires en Ontario. Mon travail m'a permisd'aider les enfants à découvrir leur culture et à développer un sentiment d'appartenance.J'aimerais beaucoup travailler dans le domaine de la santé mentale, en tant qu’intervenante,dans les hôpitaux psychiatriques et aider les personnes qui ont des troubles mentaux.Toutes les jeunes filles ont des rêves. Moi, je rêvais d’écrire des livres pour enfants. Comme jene travaille pas en ce moment, j’ai décidé d’écrire deux histoires. Alors, je peux dire que jeréalise mon rêve! Je trouve que je suis un modèle pour mes enfants en tant que maman active,cherchant à améliorer la vie de mes enfants. I have taught Arabic in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario. My work has allowed meto help children discover their culture and develop a sense of belonging. In the future, I wouldlove to work in psychiatric hospitals to help people with mental health issues.I am a role model for my children, constantly seeking to improve my children's lives. All younggirls have dreams. One of my dreams was to write children's books. Since I am not workingcurrently, I decided to write two stories. So, I can say that I am fulfilling my dream! Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022Sanaa ChararaHIPPY Home Visitor of the Year 'Il y a au Canada beaucoup de programmes qui protègent les mères isolées, et j’encouragetoute les mères à ne pas avoir peur et d’y participer.' 'There are many programs in Canada that protect single mothers, and I encourage allmothers to not be afraid and to participate.'Le Centre des services communautairesVanier est un organisme francophone quioffre une gamme de services en françaiset en anglais afin d'améliorer la qualité devie des citoyens d'Ottawa-Vanier et desenvirons.www.cscvanier.com13

I want to tell future HIPPY moms to stay consistent with the program. Even if there are dayswhen your child doesn’t want to do it, keep trying. Looking at my daughter, I’m amazed. She iscomfortable telling stories, knows so many words, and can communicate her needs. Stayconsistent with it.Our centre works to meet theneeds of the urban AboriginalPeople making a transition to theurban community by providingprograms for Aboriginal People ofall genders and age groups.Christina PierreIndigenous HIPPY Mother of the YearI come from a family of residential school survivors. My grandparents, parents, daughter, and Ifall into intergenerational trauma, but I aim to break this cycle. The HIPPY program has been asignificant part of my daughter’s academic success. I showed up for HIPPY every chance I gotand, through the activities provided, my daughter knows how to tell her own story. As well asserving as my daughter’s first teacher, my passions lie in creating spaces that meet mycommunity’s needs and providing mothers with a safe place to go, and not only go to, butwhere they can rebuild their lives. As part of this, I earned my diploma in Aesthetics and amnow getting a certificate in Business Communications. I plan to open my own First Nations Spa,paving the way for other Indigenous people and establishing a place where my communityfeels safe and can relax while receiving a high quality of service. I’m also hoping to begin adegree in Criminology this fall to complete my next dream of opening a domestic violenceshelter, providing mothers and their children with a safe place to go. They say Dream Big, and Iplan to do so.Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022'Mothers need a safe place to go, and not only go to, but rebuild their lives.'Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Societywww.vafcs.org15

Esther NdikumasaboMulticultural HIPPY Mother of the YearJ’ai vu la valeur du programme HIPPY pendant la pandémie quand les écoles étaient à lamaison. Ce n’était pas évident avec les petits enfants. Je pouvais me sentir incapable oufrustrée. Je pouvais ne pas savoir comment communiquer avec mes enfants. Mais grâce à HIPPY,j’étais outillée. J’avais des compétences de comment gérer les enfants, de comment on faitpendant l’apprentissage, des astuces, les stratégies pendant l’apprentissage. Ils étaient à l’aiseavec moi et moi aussi. Je dirais aux mamans HIPPY de s’engager vraiment. C’est un bon programme, c’est bienréfléchi. I saw the value of the HIPPY program during the pandemic when schools were closed. It was noteasy with small children. I felt helpless and frustrated. I did not not know how to communicatewith my children. But thanks to HIPPY, I was equipped. I had the skills to manage my children,how to teach them, and strategies to use during their learning. They were comfortable with meand so was I. I would tell HIPPY moms to really commit. It is a wonderful program and it is well thought out.Because Mothers Matte Awards 2022'HIPPY a eu un grand impact sur ma vie. Et là quand tu es outillée, tu es épanouie. Tu n’espas frustrée, tes enfants ne sont pas frustrés. C’est important! 'HIPPY had a big impact on my life. When you are equipped, you are fulfilled. You are notfrustrated, your children are not frustrated. It is so important! Centre des services communautaires Vanier (HIPPYOttawa)www.cscvanier.comLe Centre des services communautairesVanier est un organisme francophone quioffre une gamme de services en français eten anglais afin d'améliorer la qualité de viedes citoyens d'Ottawa-Vanier et desenvirons.17

My advice for any future moms considering joining the HIPPY program is to do it! I’ve heardsome moms say that they don’t know how to teach or don’t know if they have the right tools tosit down and learn with their children. You don’t have to worry about any of that with HIPPY,though, because they give you all the tools you need. You’re able to spend time and enjoybeing with your children. Everyone can do it!One of my dreams has always been to be a teacher, providing children with the support theyneed in their educational and emotional growth. After working at a school in Venezuela for sixyears and enjoying every day, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education in 2010.While I currently miss being a teacher, I can apply some of these same skills with my childrenthanks to the HIPPY program. It provides mothers with a guide, helping us with the early stagesof educating our children. Through HIPPY, I have the opportunity to pursue my passion forteaching, and I’ve connected with other families, showing them how to adapt the curriculum tobest suit their family’s needs. This program has had such a positive impact on me because I stillfeel that I can pursue my dream of teaching. Eventually, I want to work in a school, but I’m sothankful for HIPPY and the positive impact on me because I still feel that my dreams came true. I am a teacher, just in my own home.www.ciwa-online.comWe are an organization thatsupports immigrant and refugeewomen with programs dedicatedto help with settlement needs,language and employmenttraining, family matters, and muchmore. . Calgary Immigrant Women's Association'My dream has always been to work with kids and teach in a school or start my ownhomeschooling program. I want to be a part of their experiences and prepare them for ahigher education.'Monica Silva Multicultural HIPPY Mother of the Year FinalistBecause Mothers Matter Awards 202219

To those who are beginning their roles as Home Visitors, the most important thing is that youare willing to learn. You are striving to be better and accomplish something as a mom but alsoprofessionally. This role allows you to build communities, so do what you can to improve andgain confidence in your capabilities.I've made so many wonderful memories over the last few years as a Home Visitor, but myproudest moments come from seeing the improvement in the families I've visited. Seeing theirimprovement in communicating in new language and their bonding with other HIPPY families isvery moving. I'm so happy for them. Before becoming a Home Visitor, I was a HIPPY Mom, and Iwas so proud of myself. I couldn't believe that I got to be my son's first teacher, even though I'mnot a teacher, and the bond we formed during our time doing the activities was incredible. Fromthe impact I've seen on the families I visited and my own family, I want to continue supportingnew immigrants by providing practical parenting classes, enhancing their creative capacity, andopening communication channels within the immigrant community. Eventually, I'd love to openup my own business.www.caiwa.caOur services and outreach make adifference to the lives of thousands ofnewcomers in our community ofCentral Alberta, assisting immigrantwomen and their families in achievingtheir full potential as members ofCanadian society.Central Alberta ImmigrantWomen's Association'I cannot believe I’m the first teacher of my son [...], and even though I’m not a teacher,I’m like, wow, I’m an educator.'Divina ChaseHIPPY Home Visitor of the Year FinalistBecause Mothers Matter Awards 202221

Initially, when I was offered the position of HIPPY Home Visitor, I was hesitant to accept it. Inever saw myself doing this type of work. But, after advocating for so many loved ones duringmy life, I’ve learned through this role to advocate for myself. When my mother fell ill, I wasinspired to enroll in a Healthcare Assistance program and, during that time, I spent two yearshelping to take care of her. That included being a companion and sometimes an advocate forher health while she was in the hospital until she passed in 2014. As my children have grown up,I’ve also learned to advocate for them in their schooling when need be. Now I’m able to do thesame for myself. Being a HIPPY Home Visitor brought me out of my shell and strengthened myconfidence in my abilities. I’m proud of myself for helping other mothers, and I feel a sense ofachievement because my goal in life is just to be doing what I’m currently doing. I love where Iam in my life now.It’s pretty fun working with your own children. Knowing I was their teacher and they werelearning from me helped me step out of my comfort zone, and I want to encourage other momsto do the same. You’ll look back on those moments when you were doing the HIPPY curriculumand cherish them because you witnessed your child feeling a sense of accomplishment.www.vafcs.orgOur centre works to meet the needsof the urban Aboriginal Peoplemaking a transition to the urbancommunity by providing programsfor Aboriginal People of all gendersand age groups.Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society Melanie Tallio Indigenous HIPPY Mother of the Year FinalistBecause Mothers Matter Awards 2022'Finish your education, love yourself, and pray.'23

I’ve spent all my life traveling, living in six countries, and these experiences help me a lot as aHome Visitor. I know moving somewhere completely foreign is challenging. For many people, itcan be overwhelming, but to continue in this country, you have to be willing to participate in theCanadian experience. For me, this means teaching and involving new immigrant mothers in theirprocess of resettling and providing them the tools they’ll need to make their lives easier andsucceed independently. I was part of the team that brought the HIPPY curriculum to Saskatoonand, at that time, the program was new for everyone. But, since we’ve started, I’ve been able tohelp many families in their process of resettlement. As a Home Visitor, I developed personalizedstrategies by adapting the HIPPY curriculum for those parents with a language barrier, providingfree interpretation for people learning English, and translating HIPPY flyers and videos so ourcontent could reach different cultures within my community. I even helped create a summerresource booklet to provide HIPPY moms with fun activities within our community during theirsummer vacations. Ultimately, I aim to provide our families with all the resources and knowledgethey need to succeed in a new country because I want to see them become a part of theircommunity. As immigrants, many of us cannot always continue the careers we previously had, but my adviceto those becoming Home Visitors is to pursue this position from a place of love. Try to anticipatewhat your moms need from you, providing them with the skills to be their child’s teacher and theresources they will need to adapt to a new country. Be patient and understanding because yourrole is to be a teacher for the mom so she can go on and be the same for her children.www.sods.sk.caWe are proud to welcome and helpnewcomers connect, integrate, and buildstrong reciprocal relationships withintheir local communities in Saskatoon.Saskatoon Open Door SocietyEman Abouelyazid HIPPY Home Visitor of the Year FinalistBecause Mothers Matter Awards 2022'In HIPPY I learned to never stop caring, sharing, and helping others, because it makesone's life more meaningful.'25

I discovered my passion for teaching in 2009 after working as a teacher of young children in myChurch’s school. Although I earned my degree in Education in India, I was re-certified uponmoving to Canada in 2019. After once again becoming a qualified teacher, I’ve been able to usemy knowledge and resources within both my classroom and the local community. From my ownexperiences, I’ve been able to support fellow immigrants in their licensing journeys, helping twoother teachers through their re-certifications. Within my community, I share my knowledge aboutthe environment, emphasizing the importance of composting, sorting garbage, thrifting, anddonating, with the idea to reduce waste and encourage each other to use what we have. My favourite way to use my skills as a teacher, though, has been through the HIPPY program.With HIPPY, I’ve been able to connect with my son on a creative level. It’s something that, as afamily, we look forward to each week. HIPPY is a wonderful program for someone new to Canada, like me. It doesn’t just focus on youteaching your child, but it also provides you with the tools you need to settle into a new country.Anyone who enters the program will have access to so many resources on so many differentplatforms, and I think I’ve been very fortunate to participate in it.'Getting to connect with my son on a creative level is the best part of being a HIPPY mom,because I get to have fun and watch him learn and teach him all at the same time.'Divya Raju Multicultural HIPPY Mother of the Year Finalistwww.ciwa-online.comWe are an organization that supportsimmigrant and refugee women withprograms dedicated to help withsettlement needs, language andemployment training, family mattersand much more. . Calgary Immigrant Women's AssociationBecause Mothers Matter Awards 202227

Your children are important. Establish daily routines and teach them something good every day.My children are now grown. They are busy studying and working, and I miss those moments.As a HIPPY Home Visitor, I have the opportunity to utilize my skills as a teacher to support boththe HIPPY families I visit and members within my community. With a background in teaching, I'malways eager to foster inclusion and help those around me reach their full potential. I've helpedtranslate applications for new immigrant moms, interpreted the information shared during groupmeetings with other Home Visitors for those still learning English, and even translated phonecalls for moms when they needed last-minute help. I also facilitate informal education sessionsfor the HIPPY moms and members within my community, helping people break through theirisolation and strengthen their support networks. Ultimately, I'm very proud of the relationshipsI've built as a HIPPY Home Visitor with both the mothers and their children. It's been rewardingto see the noticeable change in the children's behaviour as their passion and love for HIPPYlessons grow.www.somalicanadianwomen.caWe provide resources and shareknowledge to empower immigrantwomen and their families in Alberta toovercome barriers and achieve their fullpotential.Alberta Immigrant Women &Children Centre (formerly knownas Somali Canadian Women andChildren Association)'Your children are the most important people in your life. So, spend time together. These moments are priceless.'Eman AlShweikhHIPPY Home Visitor of the Year FinalistBecause Mothers Matter Awards 202229

While I have accomplished a lot thus far in life, with God’s grace, I am most proud and feel mostblessed by being a mom. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than watching my children learnand grow. After becoming a mom, I realized that, as primary vocation, motherhood is alegitimate choice for women to make since we are the most important person in our children’slives. This realization led me to educate my children at home.Being a homeschooling mom is a demanding task, but the HIPPY program played a critical rolein my confidence. I remember the first meetings with other HIPPY moms was an incredibleopportunity to learn how everything works in Canada because I was so new to this country. Thisprogram and these meetings enabled me not only to be a mom but to be a mom to Canadianchildren. To give back to the HIPPY program, I became a member of the HIPPY Halton Board ofDirectors last November. If I could say anything to future HIPPY moms, I would say, trust that you are making the rightchoice by enrolling in the program. You can be certain that the HIPPY lessons that you are goingto read to your children are carefully tailored for preschoolers and written in proper English.These features boost your confidence as a new mom, in particular as an immigrant mom of ayoung child. Trust yourself and persevere because you will reap the rewards of participating inthe HIPPY program in the years to come. www.hippyhalton.orgWe provide the HIPPY program forqualified families in Oakville, Milton, andBurlington, connecting parents withtrained Home Visitors who provideweekly support and training on how toprepare their children for success inKindergarten and beyond.HIPPY Halton 'My call is to invite mothers to give their hearts to their children, and to seetheir motherhood as a vocation as important as any other profession.'Nelcy Lopez Multicultural HIPPY Mother of the Year FinalistBecause Mothers Matter Awards 202231

Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022Working Women Community CentreToronto, OntarioLeslie VegaWorking Women Community CentreToronto, OntarioNaheed AliVancouver Aboriginal FriendshipCentre, Vancouver, British ColumbiaStacy PascalWorking Women Community CentreToronto, OntarioSophia ChenRegina Immigrant Women CentreRegina, SaskatchewanSali AhmedHIPPY Halton, Milton, OntarioShazia KhanWorking Women Community CentreToronto, OntarioClaudia DiazMosaic Newcomer Family ResourceNetwork, Winnipeg, Manitoba Intisar MohamedAnjana SharmaWorking Women Centre of Toronto Scarborough, Ontario32HIPPY Home Visitor of the Year Nominees

NWT Literacy CouncilYellowknife, Northwest TerritoriesOyunbileg BernabeWorking Women Community CentreScarborough, OntarioThakshini Rajaram Saskatoon Open Door SocietySaskatoon, SaskatchewanAnu KaziCentral Alberta Immigrant Women’sAssociation, Red Deer, Alberta Babylen CifraWorking Women Community CentreToronto, OntarioAlide Fiscalina HIPPY Halton, Burlington, OntarioReham ElsawafMosaic Newcomer Family ResourceNetwork, Winnipeg, ManitobaSamrawit KidaneWorking Women Community CentreToronto, Ontario Kismat MominBernadette RichardsonCalgary Immigrant Women'sAssociation, Calgary, AlbertaBecause Mothers Matter Awards 202233HIPPY Mother of the Year Nominees

Funders & HIPPY Program Delivery Sponsor PATRONS OF THE MOTHERS MATTER CENTRE Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022The Mothers Matter Centre gratefully acknowledges our funders and donors fortheir generous support.C.D., Former Governor General of Canada; and Her Excellency, Sharon Johnston,C.C., are patrons of the Mothers Matter Centre.34

Because Mothers Matter Awards 2022HIPPY Program Delivery Partners35