Building a safe home for every family

When Rita and Marry, parents of three—including two teenagers—arrived in Nova Scotia from abroad, they were filled with the uncertainty that so many newcomer families face. As an LGBTQ+ family, those uncertainties were multiplied: Would they belong? Would their children be safe? Would they find acceptance and support?

From the very beginning, ISANS was there to meet them with open arms.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Rita remembers. “But right away, the staff made us feel completely accepted — not as a ‘different’ kind of family, but simply as a family like any other.”

ISANS’ deep commitment to inclusion shines through every interaction. For Rita, Marry, and their children, the team provided a comprehensive orientation, outlining the services and opportunities available, and connected them with partner organizations specializing in support for LGBTQ+ newcomers. This network quickly became a lifeline, helping the family find community and confidence as they began their new lives.

Through ISANS’ innovative programs, Rita and Marry were matched with a local Canadian family who welcomed them as friends, offering practical support, encouragement, and community connections.

“They helped us settle in and introduced us to other families like ours,” Marry shares. “That support made all the difference. We felt seen, supported, and empowered to start building a new life here.”

For Rita, Marry, and their children, ISANS became more than just a settlement organization — it became the foundation of their new home. Their journey proves the power of welcoming spaces.

“We’re truly thankful to ISANS for creating a space where every family — including LGBTQ+ families like ours — can feel safe, respected, and at home.”

At ISANS, we believe that every newcomer deserves to feel accepted, supported, and at home. Rita and Marry’s story inspire us in our work every day — building a stronger, more welcoming Nova Scotia for all.