Held by Community When Life Falls Apart

I keep going

- story by Liz

Hand painted rendering of a Care Bear character

As a single mom, the financial stress is overwhelming. I’m scared about losing my condo, paying bills, and honestly, just surviving. I never imagined I’d be in this position. I live with fibromyalgia, along with other physical conditions, depression, and anxiety. I see my specialist every Monday for injections in my neck and lower back, and I was also sent for a stellate ganglion block to help with pain and depression. All of this has been exhausting.

Despite all of this, what gives me hope is the community I’m part of. I’ve always been someone who looks for resources and connections. I’m involved with the Women’s Centre, CMHA Halton, and Capillary Wave, which started as a support group for men and later expanded to women. Nelson Borges, who is Portuguese, started the Capillary Wave Community (mental health support) about two years ago. Being from the same background and seeing how men were

not allowed to show their emotions, feelings, cry, etc., I was so humbled and honoured by what Nelson has so confidently put out there for men. Feelings are allowed. There is nothing wrong with crying and sitting with your feelings. Over time, I’ve helped connect people to these spaces, and eventually, those same spaces became what supported me.

A few years ago, a group of us at the Women’s Centre created a social calendar because many of us found holidays like Christmas really hard. We decided to spend time together instead of feeling isolated. From that came a WhatsApp group that’s now grown to about 50 women. I’m usually the one sending out good morning messages, jokes, and positive posts. Since October, when my situation became worse, I haven’t felt like myself at all. But those women noticed. They reached out to me, checked on me, and held me when I couldn’t hold myself. That circle of women has been one of the main reasons I keep going.

My son, who is now 21, has also been a huge source of support. He’s been cooking, cleaning, and taking care of things around the house when I’m in a flare-up. I never imagined my child would be taking care of me, but his presence reminds me I’m not alone.

Being connected to my community makes me feel supported and understood. These spaces are judgment-free. People get it. Whether it’s mental health or physical health, one isn’t more valid than the other, and that understanding matters so much. At places like the Women’s Centre and CMHA, I feel seen and safe.

I’ve watched the Women’s Centre grow and change over the years. They genuinely listen to feedback and try to meet women where they’re at. When workshops felt emotionally draining, they introduced things like sound baths, yoga in the park, crafts, and social nights. Those moments of joy and connection are just as important as the hard conversations. I’ve also seen how seriously they take safety and conflict, stepping in when needed and making sure people feel protected.

CMHA Halton has also been incredible, offering online programming, in-person groups like Just Breathe at the library, and opportunities for people with lived experience to contribute. I love seeing organizations actually include the voices of those they support.

If more of this kind of community care existed, I truly believe the world would be a better place. Right now, so many people are struggling, educated, capable people who can’t even find basic work. These community spaces help people feel less alone in a really hard world.

If I could ask for one thing from systems and decision-makers, it would be better coordination and less waste. So much food and so many usable items get thrown away while people go without. I dream of a system where organizations work together, share resources, and spread the wealth instead of operating in silos. Financially, many organizations are struggling too, even though the need has never been greater.

Community has helped raise my son when I couldn’t do it alone, and it continues to hold me now. Giving back, connecting people, and sharing resources isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am. And even in the hardest moments, that’s what keeps me hopeful.

Check out Liz’s Blog: https://socialsistersofhalton.blogspot.com/

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Curated by Gala Vukmanovic

This story was shared as part of Thriving Together in Community Project.

The purpose of this project is to gather community voices and ideas to help inform local organizations, service providers, and decision-makers. Stories focus on people’s hopes, strengths and visions for the future, as well as the challenges faced by people that are deeply impacted by the affordability crisis in Halton.