All Walks of Life - Lily G. Joins CASE
CASE is thrilled to introduce our newest member to the CASE team, Lilyana Gebrearegawi, affectionately known as Lily G! Lily has been a regular attendee of CASE events for the past year, volunteering and sharing her time with the community and positively impacting everyone she meets. Lily was recently hired as Program Coordinator and Liaison working from the Trois- Rivieres office.
Prior to Lily joining the team, Julia Frid (CASE) met with Lily to hear her story and to gain her perspective on life in the MCQ, which would also be part of a new series of MCQ Views and Voices Blogs set to release this fall. The conversations have been valuable for understanding our demographic and ‘all walks of life’ which define the people; the English Speakers of the MCQ. When the announcement was made that Lily accepted a new position with the CASE team, it seemed only natural to start the new blog series with Lily G! Here is what we learned:
Lily G is originally from Ethiopia, and her husband Solomon served in the Canadian military. Like many military families, Lily and Solomon spent many years moving around Canada. Packing up and moving on is a part of the military lifestyle which comes with sacrifices and benefits. Lily and her husband Solomon have four children ranging from 8-15 years of age and we are happy that this young family hashave decided to settle down and make Trois-Rivieres their new home.
Like most newcomers to the region, language is often a central theme. Three different languages can be overheard within their home, as they continue to adapt to their new life in Trois-Rivieres. Lily explains that in the home, the language spoken most often is English (although this husband and wife team often speak their maternal Tigrigna between the two of them). The children are also attending school in French to help them integrate more quickly into the French-Canadian culture.
A caring and protective mother, Lily wants to ensure the well being and positive mental health of her children. The move to Quebec has affected her older children as she watches them face new challenges as they learn French, which is now their third language. Lily conveyed to us the importance of organisations like CASE to help youth transition into Quebecois culture. The social activities offered in English give them respite from the pressures of learning a new language and allow them to meet other youth who can relate to their experiences.
Just like Lily, her daughter Abby was a huge help at CASE’s Lilac Garden Tea Party, handling the food services during the event. Lily also speaks quite fondly of her oldest son who plays sports and loves to help anyone in need of assistance. Lily hopes to see her children develop into active community members. All four children are inquisitive, energetic, and happy children: a testament to how hard their parents are working to ensure their well-being. Solomon has joined the new men’s programming at CASE, taking part in activities that aim to build camaraderie and friendship.
When English-speaking families like Lily’s move to the MCQ, they are often able to flourish and integrate into society knowing that there is a safety net ready to provide assistance, lend a listening ear, guide them to services and welcome them completely. We at CASE recognize the importance of social support, breaking isolation and giving our best to ensure a rich and meaningful life for English speakers in this beloved region.
Listening to these stories and gaining feedback from our valued members helps CASE understand the evolving issues facing the English-speaking community.
Welcome to Team Lily G!
By Andrew Ryan & Julia Frid
