For Inna and her daughter, Angie, living at Onward's new building in Killarney has been a dream come true.
Fleeing the war in Ukraine, their first days in Canada in 2023 were a world away from the peace they've found now. They faced leaky walls in a cramped Sunnyside apartment, forcing them to sleep on the living room floor.
Hope arrived for Inna at the Newcomer Centre later that year, where she was volunteering.
“Because of my difficult living situation, the staff gave me information about Onward’s new building for single mothers and their children,” says Inna. “I am very thankful to the people who helped me and guided us to this wonderful home.”
The move to Killarney in May 2025 marked a significant turning point for the family.
“This apartment is a dream, it’s so clean, secure, and well-planned,” Inna says. She's especially happy about the large kitchen, which lets her indulge in her love for cooking and baking. The convenient location makes daily life easier, too, with a nearby bus stop that easily gets them to the grocery store, work, and school.
Angie, who arrived speaking no English, has quickly adapted to her new life. Now, she speaks without an accent, thrives at Western Canada High School, and is an active part of the community. She volunteers at a church daycare and camp and works part-time at the Saddledome.
Meanwhile, Inna, a former accountant, works as a prep cook at The Keg. She's determined to improve her English so she can get the certification needed to return to her profession, and she's currently taking private in-person classes.
Grateful for the support she’s found in Calgary, Inna says, “My daughter is so happy here. When we first arrived, it was just the two of us—we didn’t know anyone and had no friends or family. But in a short time, we met such wonderful people who have become like our new family. This feels like our true home now, and we love being here.
“It’s very important to me that Angelina is doing so well. I love the people here; they are so nice and kind.”
The family has even more to celebrate: a new pet! For Angie’s next birthday, Inna plans to get her a kitten, a simple joy they couldn't have in their previous apartments. “We have just been so blessed here,” she says.
