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IWSO Connections June 2025
 
In this edition of Connections,  Ada Tony-Ilebor, Branch Manager with TD explains why it's never too late to begin saving.  Samanta García Fialdini, a Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer practicing out of Ottawa, highlights some of the recent changes affecting international students in Canada.  Find out more about Aminat and how IWSO's new Culinary Entrepreneur Program has made a huge difference in her life and read about Sosna Debela's family immigration story from Ethiopia.  Please consider a monthly donation in the name of a friend or family member when it's a special occasion, as having a reliable, steady stream of monthly income, helps IWSO plan for future projects.  The recipe to try this month is an easy Fresh Mango Fruit Salsa, perfect for those upcoming steamy days this summer.  Take a break, sit back and enjoy reading about all the good things happening at IWSO.
 
IWSO WEBSITE
 

Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs visits IWSO
On Thursday, April 3rd, IWSO was thrilled to welcome Honourable Sandra McCardell, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (DMA), to our office.  Staff was delighted to give Ms. McCardell and her team a tour of our Agency including our "Sewing for Success" Program and share the impactful work happening to empower immigrant women in our community.  Thank you for taking the time to visit and support our mission and to engage with some of our staff and clients! 
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Ask The Bank Manager
If you’re thinking it’s too late to start saving, let me put that worry to rest, it’s never too late to get going! Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or even nearing retirement, starting to save now can still make a huge difference in your financial future. Life happens, and maybe you didn’t prioritize saving earlier, but the beauty is that every little bit you tuck away today can grow over time, thanks to things like compound interest or smart investments.  In Canada (or anywhere, really), saving isn’t just about piling up cash, it’s about building security and options for yourself down the road. 
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IWSO Celebrates it's Volunteers
During National Volunteer Week, IWSO recognized the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers from the Client Accompaniment Program!  From supporting programs to walking alongside women through this Program, our volunteers show compassion and truly make a difference. IWSO couldn’t do this work without you!
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IWSO's Culinary Entrepreneur Program Helping Women Turn Dreams into Reality
"The IWSO Culinary Entrepreneur Program changed my life.  It gave me more than just tools, it gave me belief in myself.  Before, I loved to cook.  Now, I run Renny's Kitchen with purpose, vision, and the confidence that I can thrive right here in Ottawa.  From learning how to price my meals to finding my voice through branding and storytelling, every step of the program helped me grow, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a woman finding her place in a new country," says Aminat Abdullahi, founder of Renny's Kitchen.
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Try Something New Today
IWSO’s Calendar of Events is your gateway to connection, learning, and empowerment. There’s always something happening at IWSO.  Why not try something new today? Take a peek at the calendar, something exciting might be waiting for you!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sre Shares Why IWSO Made a Difference in Her Life 
"As a proud graduate of IWSO's Sewing for Success Program, I'm deeply grateful for the support, training, and encouragement I received.  The program gave me the skills and confidence to start my career, and I'm thrilled that I can now contribute not only to my family's well-being, but also to my new home here in Canada," says Sre sinduja Ramesh babu.
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Legacy Giving at IWSO
Including a charitable bequest in your Will or making a gift of life insurance, are simple ways to make a legacy gift to IWSO.  Making gifts in your Will, benefit the immigrant and racialized women we serve now and, into the future, all the while providing maximum tax benefits and peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Legacy Giving is a chance for philanthropists to connect to the deepest part of their personal legacies and actively build a more equitable world for everyone.
LEAVE A LEGACY
Ask the Immigration Lawyer
Samanta García Fialdini is a Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer practicing out of Ottawa.  In this issue of Connections, she highlights some of the recent changes affecting international students in Canada. 
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Sosna Debela Shares her Story
"Today, as a woman who migrated from Africa at a young age, I’m proud to say I’ve graduated from Carleton and I’m ready to dedicate my life to fighting for women’s rights across the globe, says Sosna Debela.
SOSNA'S STORY HERE
Join Friends of IWSO
Consider becoming a monthly donor or encouraging a friend or family member to do so. Recurring contributions provide IWSO with a stable and reliable source of funding, enabling us to plan for the future more effectively. A monthly donation also makes a meaningful and impactful gift.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MONTHLY DONATIONS
Website Available in Somali
IWSO with the assistance of our Language & Interpretation Service (LIS) is proud to offer our website in Somali.  This is made possible by (IRCC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
CHECK IT OUT HERE
Social Services in Ottawa
Connecting Ottawa understands the challenges of accessing services in the Ottawa region. This user-friendly website enables individuals to locate services in Ottawa and the surrounding areas by searching with keywords or browsing by category.
CONNECTING OTTAWA
Foundation Donates $1000
IWSO extends heartfelt thanks to the Gill Ratcliffe Foundation for their generous gift of $1,000. Their support plays a vital role in helping IWSO provide crisis counseling, settlement assistance, and safety planning for immigrant women fleeing gender-based violence. Thanks to donors like the Gill Ratcliffe Foundation, we are able to stand with women as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
 
DONATE TO IWSO 
Columbus Club Gifts $1500
IWSO is proud to announce renewed support from Columbus Club Council 485 for $1500, whose ongoing generosity helps fund crucial programming for immigrant and racialized women in the Ottawa area. “This funding will support IWSO programs, which are designed to provide coping strategies, self-care tools, and a safe community for immigrant women navigating trauma,” says Dan Sullivan, Board Chair.
 
PRESS RELEASE
Rotary Ottawa Contributes $2000
"I want to express my gratitude for Rotary Ottawa's recent gift of $2,000 to IWSO in support of our Milk Program for Immigrant Children in Ottawa," says Josephine Basudde,Manager- Crisis Intervention and Counselling Services, IWSO.  "Your gift will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve. Thank you for recognizing the vital role the Milk Program plays in supporting our most vulnerable."
 
MORE ABOUT ROTARY OTTAWA
English Conversation Circles 
Want to improve your spoken English?  IWSO offers FREE conversation circles at all levels.  Circles are offered in-person and on-line in a safe, women-only environment.  Join now to practice with other immigrant women and meet new friends at the same time.  Contact Christine, Gulalai, Isis or Lina via their email listed in the flyer.
REGISTER NOW
Children's Playroom Available

Did you know the IWSO playroom is open and free of charge for your children? If you are accessing services or attending programs in the building at 219 Arglye Street, this service is open to you and your children.  The CNC program enables newcomer parents the option of dropping off their children to a safe and nurturing environment.  Contact Luz to find out more  (613) 729-3145.
CNC PROGRAM
Fresh Mango Fruit Salsa
The perfect cool, refreshing salsa to take the edge off hot summer days.  This can be made the day ahead or enjoyed right away.  Why not give it a try?
RECIPE LINK
219 Argyle Avenue, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 2H4
infomail@iwso.ca
Tel:  613-729-3145
Fax: 613-729-9308