A Father Overcomes Challenges and Celebrates Success

There's no better time than Father's Day to honour dads who always look out for their children.

Noe’s warehouse job had been reduced to a part-time, on-call position, when his wife, ZoZo, prematurely gave birth to triplets. The babies had complications, and it was uncertain whether one would survive.   

Overwhelmed by fear and anxious about meeting the families’ needs, Noe was under a lot of stress.  Then he met The Salvation Army.

No money—no diapers

“It was a very difficult time with the boys arrived,” says Noe. “Each one weighed under three pounds and had lots of medical challenges. Two boys stayed in the hospital for two-and-a half months and the one with the lowest birthweight (5.8 oz.)—five months.”

At the time of hospital discharge, Noe’s work situation hadn’t improved. And, having fled to Canada from the Congo, there were no close friends or family to fall back on. He couldn’t afford diapers and the smallest baby, who was named Miracle, required specialized formula. He needed help and needed it now.

“I was in rough shape—sad, stressed, and embarrassed—when I went to The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services in Calgary,” says Noe. “Everyone there was compassionate and welcoming. I never left empty handed.”

“Our goal was to enhance the well-being of these babies and this family,” says Liz Rutherford, Community Support Services Manager. “We helped with immediate needs such as diapers, wipes and formula. We connected them to medical resources as special needs persisted after the triplets got home. We provided car seats and advocated for Noe and ZoZo to receive permanent residency status.”

Hope

“The Salvation Army gave us hope,” says Noe. “They were a large part of our support. Their resources and programs made life a lot easier for our entire family.”

Today, Noe is more relaxed and happier. He doesn’t panic because he knows help is available. He loves being a father—watching the boys run to the school bus and play in the yard.     

“Our lives changed when we met The Salvation Army,” says Noe. “They understood our needs and helped when we needed it most. Having triplets is tough, but that’s nothing compared to the emotional toll that poverty takes on a family. The Salvation Army is a good place.”