It was my great friend Orly who referred me to Ometz. She had previously used Ometz’s services and recommended it very highly. I came to Ometz to strengthen my job as a caregiver for the elderly. I don’t have the words to describe my experience… Ometz welcomed me with open arms. What I enjoyed the most was the humanistic approach that they took. The staff was warm, friendly, and non-judgemental in the advice they gave me. Ometz offered me services that were very specific to my needs. I had a counsellor that took the time to speak with me from day one. Together, we clarified my goals, and I discovered a palette of courses that Ometz offered. The course on elderly aid was most suitable for me. In taking care of my elderly mother, I realized I needed help in this area and Ometz was able to provide that for me. The organization was there for me, personally and professionally.

I would recommend it to anyone in the same situation. Before coming to Ometz, I had a career as a counsellor in conjugal violence, and when you’ve been in the workforce for so long, it’s difficult to admit to yourself that you might need help, especially when dealing with a close member of the family who is aging and ill since many years. I felt embarrassed about my situation, but I found so much support that it helped me to deal, and to heal some wounds from past, unfinished experiences. It is a real work-in-progress.

Another thing I loved about Ometz was the teachers and their pedagogy. The way they teach was so interesting and so clear, especially since it was my first time studying in English, because most of my studies are done in French. It was a challenge for me, and the fact that I got good marks because I studied so hard was very rewarding. I also liked the ambiance – every day I was looking forward to coming in. The vibes were so interesting and they kept me going.

I remember one day I was not feeling so good about my situation. With my mom’s poor health and all the classes I was taking, I really felt like giving up. My stress levels were high, but then I received a warm, non-judgemental intervention from one of the counsellors, and that did it. To find counsellors that, even with all their credentials, were able to take on a compassionate and human approach was incredible.

When I was in university I took a religion class and did a project about Judaism. Although I’m not Jewish myself, I met a great rabbi who helped me discover the Jewish community of Montreal so I feel a connection with the community. I love the community’s soul and culture, and it has become a dream of mine to travel to Israel. Ometz is so important to me because they offer help to this community that I have come to love. It will be important for Ometz to remain up-to-date in what’s going on in the community, and even though there is a lot of turmoil in Quebec, Ometz keeps an open mind and adapts to the situation.