How this family's life changed for the better, thanks to Moncton Headstart

Haley Sirois and her family fell on hard times during the pandemic.

When her husband Michael was laid off, she had to leave her job and they both struggled to find work once employment insurance benefits ran out.

While her husband did find part-time work, it still wasn't enough to cover the rent. And on top of that, the couple faced a $600 vet bill when their cat got sick and had to be put down.

"It all kind of snowballed, and then we ended up being evicted," the Moncton woman said.

Sirois said the family looked for other apartments but everything was at least $1,200, which was more than they paid at their previous place.

So she and her young daughter, Paige, ended up moving into her parents' trailer at a campground, while her husband stayed with some friends, earning money for a new place.

It was at the trailer that Sirois got a call from the Moncton Headstart future horizons program.

"I cried," Sirois said. "I was really happy."

Caroline Donelle, executive director of Moncton Headstart, said funding is the most challenge part of running the non-profit. (Vanessa Blanch/CBC)

Moncton Headstart began in 1974, providing free daycare to local families in need. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has grown to include more programs for parents and kids, including a teaching kitchen and safe transitional housing for those who need it.

Sirois said that along with providing a secure place to live with her family, the program also prepares families for owning a home one day with monthly budgeting meetings.

Moncton Headstart executive director Caroline Donelle said there is much greater need than 50 years ago because of more economic pressures on families.

"We see a lot of food insecurity, housing insecurity — all the things we hear about on a day-to-day basis — we're hearing here, we see it all the time," said Donelle.

Moncton Headstart began in 1974, providing free daycare to local families in need. In the last 50 years, it has expanded to include more programs for parents and kids, including a teaching kitchen and transitional housing. (Gilles Landry/CBC)

On Saturday, the non-profit is having its fundraising gala, and Donelle said funding is definitely the biggest challenge facing the group.

She said costs are up, but funding has stayed the same and donations have gone down.

But despite the challenges, Donelle said she is still motivated to do the work each day knowing that the Headstart families, like Haley Sirois's, are reaping the benefits.

Sirois said everything has changed since moving into transitional housing. The bills are paid and there is always food in the house — something that wasn't always guaranteed before.

She said she met her best friend through Headstart and her daughter, now 6, has also made new friends.

"For me, being able to be a better parent and being able to have a home where she can run around and feel safe, it's been — I never saw it coming," said Sirois.

"My life has definitely changed a lot."