From New Arrival to Community Leader: Lana Tucker's LMLIP Story

Library Boss Looks Back on Her Years of Helping Other Immigrants in London

Lana Winchester-Tucker's 2010 move to London took an unexpected turn when a simple library visit set her on a new path. Now, as the head of the Masonville Branch at London Public Library and a committed volunteer with the LMLIP, Lana's journey is a testament to the transformative power of community support, inspiring hope and resilience in others.

"I got help from settlement workers at the Cherryhill Branch Library back in 2010," Lana remembers. "Margarita, the settlement worker, found me quick childcare and told me about workshops for immigrant professionals that helped me get into the Canadian job market."

This experience sparked Lana's drive to help other newcomers. In 2012, she started working at the London Public Library, focusing on newcomer services. Soon after, she joined LMLIP, serving on the Settlement sub-council and the Ready to Volunteering and Housing Work Groups.

Lana's growth from newcomer to community leader mirrors the LMLIP's progress over the years. "LMLIP works hard to help newcomers settle and succeed in London and the surrounding area," she says. "Thousands of people feel the impact when they use services from agencies across the city that work with LMLIP."

What impresses Lana the most is the commitment of the LMLIP's volunteers. "It takes real dedication to plan workshops and info sessions, create resources to help newcomers adjust to Canadian life, and promote faith as a key part of newcomers' identities," she points out. "This organization does amazing work under Huda's leadership and non-stop effort."

As the LMLIP turns 15, Lana's story shows how the organisation changes individual lives and the whole community. Her work goes beyond the LMLIP, like her recent help with the 22nd Annual Black History Month Celebration at the library's Byron Branch.

Looking forward, Lana hopes "LMLIP keeps up its great work in London and the area, making newcomers feel welcome and included."

Lana Winchester-Tucker's journey from newcomer to community leader shows the far-reaching effects of LMLIP's work. As the organisation celebrates 15 years of connecting people in London and Middlesex, stories like Lana's remind us how powerful community support can be and the lasting impact of making newcomers feel at home.