On Thursday, July 6th the first Enercare Fresh Start Package was delivered to a family that recently moved out of Bethlehem’s transitional housing program into permanent housing.

Shaniqua is a young single mother of a one-year-old girl. She came to Bethlehem Housing just over a year ago with her newborn to seek help for her current situation.

When Shaniqua moved into Bethlehem Place she was connected to a personal support worker who worked one-on-one with her to support her personal growth. She recently secured permanent housing in the community and she is beginning a new life with her daughter.

When the Enercare team arrived at the apartment building Shaniqua and her outgoing, happy daughter came to greet them.

Shaniqua was glowing with gratitude for the items that were provided to her in her Fresh Start Package, which included new bedding for herself and educational toys for her daughter. Each package consists of simple necessities, comfort items and small luxuries to help make their new house feel like a home.

“I am ecstatic! I wouldn’t have been able to afford these items on my own,” said Shaniqua. “If I wasn’t at Bethlehem Place I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. I am very thankful.”

The Enercare representatives were grateful to be able to personally deliver the Fresh Start Package to Shaniqua and her daughter.

John Samcoe, Enercare District Sales Manager, is one of the local Enercare representatives that co-ordinates the purchases and assembly of the personalized packages.

Bethlehem staff provided John with a family profile and a wish list of essential and comfort items that were requested by Shaniqua.

“It was a pleasure to shop for Shaniqua and her daughter. My daughter is also one-year-old, so I bought Shaniqua’s daughter one of my daughter’s favourite toys,” said John Samcoe. “The Enercare team has been working in the Niagara community for decades and it is nice to be able to support families that live in the communities where we live and work.”

Click here for more information on the Enercare Fresh Start program.