Hello There!
Born in 1993 and immigrating from Pakistan in 1999, Ishaq Khan is an enthusiastic individual who is committed to returning the benefits he has received from Canada through the Pathway to Hope organization. Recognizing the growing prevalence of mental health and addiction challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, Ishaq is dedicated to assisting Canadian youth in addressing these issues through accessible and educational means. Drawing from his own experiences as an immigrant, Ishaq is acutely aware of the stigma associated with mental health and addiction and is committed to breaking down cultural and religious barriers through his unique perspective and background.
My Story
Growing up as an immigrant in Canada, I witnessed firsthand how cultural and systemic barriers could isolate families struggling with mental health challenges. My brother’s battle with mental health issues was a pivotal experience that deeply shaped my journey into mental health advocacy. Despite our efforts to find help, the resources available often lacked cultural and religious sensitivity, leaving my family feeling unsupported and alone.
Mental illness doesn’t just impact the individual—it ripples out to affect entire families and communities. I saw how it weighed on my family, and I resolved to create something that could provide the support we never had. My commitment deepened when my friend Jessica Qubrossi shared her experience with the abrupt closure of a youth services program. Vulnerable youth were left with just weeks to find accommodations and resources, an unimaginable situation that highlighted systemic gaps in care. Jessica’s passion for change reignited my determination, and her insights became the foundation of what would later become Pathway to Hope.
Together, Jessica and I envisioned an organization that would address these gaps by celebrating diversity and inclusion—reflecting the multicultural, multilingual, and multi-religious nature of Canada. This vision drives my unwavering commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for youth in need.