Villa Rosa graduates celebrate milestone

Winnipeg

Graduation time is an occasion that marks the completion of a goal, signals a new beginning, and provides a reason to celebrate that’s charged with emotions.

For Villa Rosa graduates, the significance of earning a high school diploma is especially profound.

A sanctuary of hope and support for mothers, babies, and their families during and after pregnancy, Villa Rosa offers a safe and comfortable home environment.

Despite such challenges, Villa Rosa School had nine graduates this year, the highest number in recent memory.

“Over the last many years, we have averaged two or three, and I cannot figure out how long ago it was that we had this many,” executive director Carolyn Eva said, beaming with pride.

“All of these graduates are Indigenous, are mothers and all have come from situations of poverty, trauma and abuse histories,” added Eva. “Many have recovered from addictions and most are the first in their families to graduate high school.”

Because of the size of the group, the event had to be moved offsite, taking place on June 22 at the nearby Misericordia Terrace, a space fully decorated to make it special for everyone attending. All graduates wore ribbon skirts, which they made for the occasion with staff help and donated fabric. After formal greetings and presentations, everyone enjoyed refreshments and time to socialize.

“It felt like a big milestone,” said Sheena Beardy, a 38-year-old mother of three. “I was anxious. I’d been waiting for this for so long,” she added, about earning her mature student diploma.

Marissa Smoke, 22, described her variety of feelings.

“I was nervous and really emotional,” said the mother of two, acknowledging the peace of mind and sense of accomplishment that came from putting time and effort into reaching her goal.

For new mother Selena Tataquason, 19, graduation was special for bringing together families, friends and babies.

“It was fun and exciting,” she said. “I was relieved to finally get it done.”

All three women shared reflections at the event and included their gratitude for the people who walk alongside them every day to ensure that they have everything they need to thrive, grow into capable parents, raise healthy babies and pursue their dreams and goals.

Beardy, whose two older children are 16 and 22, found herself pregnant with her third child when she was at a hard place in her life and needed help. As a resident at Villa Rosa with her six-month-old daughter, she’s thankful for the resources she’s been given.

“I feel at home here, it’s warm and welcoming,” she said. “Being here helped me get back on my feet. You build friendships here. Villa Rosa isn’t just a home, it’s a community.”

When her daughter is a little older, Beardy hopes to pursue a career in finance or social work. She finds comfort in knowing she can always return to Villa Rosa for assistance even after leaving.

Smoke, who hopes to pursue education in psychology or social work, appreciates the various projects in art class at Villa Rosa, and how much staff work to help everyone feel comfortable.

“Case workers, and especially the teachers, are very encouraging and understanding and patient, but they push you when you need it,” she said.

Tataquason is grateful for the Indigenous programs, including the beading workshops. She hopes to continue to access more resources to help raise her child and continue with her schooling. She knows firsthand the hardships of being raised in the foster care system and hopes her future will include an opportunity to change things for the better.

“I want to be a social worker,” she said.

Villa Rosa offers a full high school program, as well as scholarships for post-secondary education.

Currently the facility is full to capacity. Eva notes a need for an onsite daycare, which she hopes will be approved for this fall.

“We have eight residents at our postnatal house next door and 21 moms in our main residence,” said Eva. “We have 16 babies currently.”

Villa Rosa welcomes monetary donations, size 4 and 5 diapers, formula, car seats and maternity wear.

Visit www.villarosa.mb.ca for more information.