Yuliia Bondar and her family moved to Canada from Ukraine in 2022. When they arrived in their new country, Quinte Immigration Services (QUIS) was there to ease their transition. “QUIS provided me with advice and help with applications for documents and services,” Yuliia explains. Connecting with QUIS has allowed Yuliia and her family to become involved in their new community.

“I am part of the Skills Training Employment Program, and I joined the Newcomer Women’s Circle. Also, my children enjoyed the QUIS Winter Holidays Party and Glanmore tour for Ukrainian newcomers, and we found the winter clothes drive useful,” Yuliia shares. “Their emails helped me get connected with other agencies and programs in the area, like the YMCA, Keep Kids Warm, and others.”

For Yuliia, finding a community where her family can thrive has been most important. “I’m happy to be in a safe country where people are very kind, polite, and friendly,” she shares. “My kids like their school, I’m looking for a job, and I’m excited to do my part as a local taxpayer to make my community a better place.”