A Senior Immigrant’s Journey to Dignity

Dexing Xu, a 70-year-old immigrant newcomer, arrived at University Settlement seeking refuge and assistance after his dream of familial reunion in Canada was shattered. Displaced from his child’s home within three months and grappling with language barriers, Dexing Xu found support from Settlement Counselors. Together, they navigated the complexities of a domestic violence case and secured essential documentation for a social housing special unit application.

Three months later, Dexing Xu was offered accommodation in Scarborough, coupled with an approved ODSP application. Regular visits to the Spadina office ensued, where dedicated counselors facilitated his integration into Canadian life, aiding in matters such as legal documentation and financial support. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Dexing Xu acknowledged the transformative impact of University Settlement, affirming, “They are not my children, but they are close to my heart. The fact is that I can live in Canada with dignity because of them.”