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Dear Friends,
Since 1927, Tyndale has been serving the Little Burgundy Community and has been dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for everyone to feel welcomed. We would like to share with you the stories of three generations of empowered Tyndale women. Their story is a testament to the vital work that the Centre does, and we are reaching out to ask for your support in helping us to continue to provide critical resources and services to those in need. With your help, we can ensure that our community continues to thrive and that those who depend on the Centre have the support they need to overcome the challenges they face. Please take a moment to read Jean, Jaziele and Jaz’Marie’s story and consider making a donation to help us continue our important work…
Jean, a single mother, found solace in Tyndale back in the early 80s when she heard about the Centre through Welcome Hall Mission. Tyndale was a safe haven for her seven children, and she knew that she could always rely on Tyndale and the close-knit community members for help. Tyndale was a place where her children could participate in after school programs, summer camps, and receive tutoring and extra support. Even as an adult, Jean was able to receive assistance from Tyndale’s Adult Development Department. She participated in the 6-month job training program and found a job in her related field of studies where she stayed for over 19 years until they closed their doors in June of 2021. She credits Tyndale for taking her under their wing and promising to help her find a job.
To this day Tyndale has always been more than just a community centre to her family, it's been a place where they felt loved, supported and safe. Jean's positive experiences at Tyndale have helped her overcome her fears and build her self-esteem. She is grateful for the patience and kindness shown by Tyndale's staff, who always make time to help her with her needs, whether it's finding a job or using the computers.
Even after her children have grown up, Jean still considers Tyndale her second home. She continues to attend special occasions at the Adult Centre and makes use of the services offered, such as access to the computers, printing and the tax clinic. Jean knows that she can always reach out to staff for support. Most recently, she gave a heartfelt speech at the adult graduation ceremony.
Jaziele, Jean's daughter, was born and raised in Little Burgundy. Just like her mother, she has always felt a deep connection to Tyndale. Jaziele and her sister joined the After School Program and summer camps, and felt the love right away. The staff felt like family, and the programs were so much fun. As she got older, she continued to participate in Tyndale's programs, such as cooking activities and sewing classes. “Tyndale was a safe place for me and my family. My mom relied on it to keep us off the streets, and she knew she could always turn to Tyndale for help. The sense of community here is unlike anything I've experienced anywhere else in Montreal. Even when I moved away, I always knew that I had to come back to Little Burgundy because it was home.”
Jaziele remembers when her daughter Jaz’Marie joined the reading club at the Tyndale Library. Reading had always been a challenge for her, but the program motivated her to read and read some more. Now Jaz’Marie has a library full of books, and Jaziele is so proud of her. “Tyndale's dedication to making sure that no child is left behind is truly admirable.”
Tyndale has been such an important part of Jaziele’s life, and she is so grateful for all of the wonderful memories and experiences that she has had at the Centre. “It truly is a wonderful place, and I know that it will continue to be a safe haven and community hub for generations to come.”
Jaz'Marie, Jaziele's daughter, has been attending Tyndale since second grade in the After School Program (ASP), and she's graduating from sixth grade this year. Even though she's moving on to high school, she will still be participating at the Centre. She's had wonderful experiences with the animators and educators at Tyndale, and she's had a lot of fun too!
Basketball on Tuesdays after ASP is one of Jaz'Marie's favorite activities at Tyndale. She always wanted to learn how to play ball. She was thrilled when she found out that Tyndale was starting a basketball program. Jaz'Marie hopes to join a basketball team someday, just like her mom who used to play basketball as a teenager.
Tyndale is a safe spot for Jaz'Marie. She feels secure and comfortable when she's there, thanks to the warm and welcoming staff. Jaz'Marie has been attending Tyndale for a long time, and she feels comfortable walking in and making new friends. Knowing that her mother, grandmother and other family members also came to Tyndale and felt safe here is reassuring.
In the future, she would love to be part of the Tyndale team and help out where she can. She's even considering getting a part-time job at the Centre during her post secondary studies! As for her career aspirations, Jaz'Marie is thinking about becoming a fashion designer, a model, or maybe a nurse like her mom. The possibilities are endless!
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