This post in the series “Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Stories” is about former resident Paola Gomez who lived at Romero House from 2004-2005. She is the Co-Founder and Program Director of a non-profit organization: MUSE Arts.
Organization: MUSE Arts
In 2014, Paola Gomez co-founded MUSE Arts, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of newcomers, refugees, and marginalized communities through the arts. As the Program Director, Paola ensures that MUSE Arts creates welcoming spaces where individuals can express themselves freely, embracing their creativity without being defined by their past traumas or vulnerabilities.
Paola arrived in Canada with her young child, facing the challenges that many newcomers experience. She found safety and support at Romero House, a place where she could heal, dream, and begin anew. These experiences inspired her to create MUSE Arts. Her leadership has helped countless individuals find their own artistic voices, turning lived experiences into powerful expressions of resilience and hope. We are excited to have Paola and MUSE Arts working with the Romero House Kids Club spring program, helping to foster joy and imagination through arts.
Journey with Romero
Paola lived at Romero House from 2004 to 2005, first at Keele Street and later moving to Wanda Road.
What is your favourite memory from Romero House?
All! I arrived at Romero House for the first time on June 5 2004 , after a long day of interviews at the border. A worker who received me gave me a large bag of potatoes (uncooked ) lol. But they welcomed me and my baby into a room, painted in baby blue, with a bed and a crib cover with white spongy duvets , the most beautiful room I have ever lived in, it was like walking on clouds, that room was my first home in Canada and Romero House my family.
How has Romero House impacted where you are today?
All what I am today is because of the people I met at Romero House. I carry all the memories and teachings with me. I am very lucky to have met kindness and generosity in the ways I have at Romero House. I am a better human because of it.
