Impact Stories

I have seen first hand what STNI does in Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria and Canada. While working with them for branding and positioning, I shed tears countless times, because I have worked with a number of organisations internationally, but STNI is one of the few that truly cares; all funding go towards the projects and this level of transparency is rare. This is the organisation to donate to, this people really care.

We say thank you to STNI. No one cared about us before STNI. Our children were out of school, and we were hunger, with no hope but the sweet release of death. Now we have learnt skills and consider ourselves as widows, useful to the society…

We no longer cry for the hopelessness of our children; their future is bright with STNI’s support.

It cannot be overstated how impactful Shalom To The Nations’ programs have been to our local community, with ripple effects impacting communities outside of Canada. For many years, formal volunteering on our Board to inform policy, strategy, and direction, fostering collaborative action from other not-for-profit sector partners, and creating a pipeline of individual support has set a precedent for best practices regarding social community investment strategy. From the top of the charity ladder, business priorities include community development and involvement.

To illustrate STNI community leadership, allow me to share an example demonstrating their creative and unique approach that helped refugees adjust and establish themselves in Canada. During the Adam House’s 15th anniversary celebration, Amani was invited as a keynote speaker; he delivered a very articulate key message on how building resilience had helped him cope with life challenges as a refugee in Canada. Subsequently, they invited other refugees to take on new challenges by serving the Canadian community through volunteerism, work, and other forms of giving back to the community. His testimony filled the room of about 300 attendees with a sense of hope to see someone who came as a refugee succeeding. His example is such an inspiration to many newcomers who are facing integration barriers.

With a 10+ years record of volunteerism, Amani has proven to have an outstanding commitment to support vulnerable populations. These populations include newcomers/refugees, women and children in vulnerable situations, and a strong passion for advocating for persons with disabilities.

If you would like any further details, please contact me at 416-538-2836 or lchaimiti@adamhouse.org.

Sincerely,

Lucy Chaimiti

Executive Director, Adam House

As a person who has a mental disability, I came to know Mr Hitimana as a senior Leader of Shalom To The Nations, an organization that serves the high-risk community in the Jane and Finch area in Toronto.
I was very impressed with the number of people with disabilities who have been integrated into that church community. I attended York University and graduated with a BA in psychology in 1999.
After struggling with mental illnesses for over 30 years, I never thought that  I would be able to contribute and be a part of the community anymore. But when I met Mr. Hitimana 2 years ago, my perspective totally changed. He allowed me to be in charge of the sound systems anytime there is a community event and encouraged me to be part of the community. I never thought that any organization would do this for a person with a mental disability, and I cannot think of any other candidate who is qualified for the Role Model Award for contributing to the quality of life of people with disabilities.
Today, I am still in the same position, and I serve the community with joy and satisfaction. However, my quality of life has improved.
I feel valued for my contributions and my confidence has significantly increased. My Psychiatrist and my family members  are very surprised with the improvement this opportunity has made in my life. They all want to meet Mr. Hitimana to say thank you to him. Today I can drive my vehicle and live a normal life as any other Canadian citizen. This opportunity has greatly contributed to my healing and restoration.
I believe that the government should be pleased to see persons with disabilities included and given responsibilities as  it helps to break down barriers and encourage inclusion.
I do not think you can have a better candidate for the Role Model Award. Mr Hitimana is a true role model.
Sincerely, Anonymous.