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IWSO Connections March 2026
 
In this edition of Connections,  Ada Tony-Ilebor, Branch Manager with TD give us ideas of where to direct our tax refund.  Caitlin Thomas, an Associate Lawyer with Heather Neufeld Law., discusses how Canada’s immigration system is undergoing another round of significant updates in 2026.  Find out more about the Mehari Centre and Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), and how community partners gathered to announce the findings of the most recent report on gender-based violence.  For inspiration, Melissa Torrado and Riddhima Sharma share their immigration stories.  Please consider a monthly donation in the name of a friend or family member, as having a reliable, steady stream of monthly income, helps IWSO plan for future projects.  The recipe to try this month is a creamy spinach & lemon spaghetti that makes for an quick dinner.  Take a break, sit back and enjoy reading about all the good things happening at IWSO.
 
IWSO WEBSITE
 
Ask The Bank Manager

Tax season is upon us and depending on your income and tax bracket, you might get a tax refund.  Want some ideas on what you could do with your tax refund, or looking for recommendations of where to spend it?  Click the link below to find out more.
FIND OUT MORE
IWSO Celebrated the Culinary Entrepreneurship Program
On Feb. 24th, IWSO celebrated the graduation and appreciation of the inaugural year of the Culinary Entrepreneur Program (CEP) & thanked the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support. CEP, delivered by IWSO, celebrated the success of its latest cohort of women entrepreneurs who are transforming home-based cooking skills into viable food businesses. The event showcased participants food products to the public, partners, and community leaders.  “The work that the IWSO team does every day to support newcomer women in our community is incredible. I am so glad to see that work continue and expand through their amazing Culinary Entrepreneur Program, thanks to support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” says Catherine McKenney, MPP Ottawa Centre. 
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IWSO Celebrated IWD 2026
On March 5th, IWSO celebrated International Women's Day in conjunction with World Skills.  The day was filled with deep meaning for all who attended this inspirational event.  Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO shared an uplifting and meaningful speech to all who attended.  To read Ms. Lawluvi's words, click the link below.
READ MORE
Riddhima Sharma, IWSO Board Member, Shares her Story
That first year hit me hard. Unemployment, brutal winters, the COVID mess, homesickness. It all piled up. I bounced around doing whatever jobs I could find, farm work, factory shifts, babysitting, serving tables. I moved between three cities and six different places in just eight months. Life wasn't what I'd pictured at all but I grew stronger.
READ MORE
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
OCTEVAW & Community
Partners Meet
In January, the Mehari Centre, Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), and community partners gathered for an important community session to announce the findings of the most recent report on gender-based violence. The session focused on the co-creation of community-driven solutions to address gender-based violence and strengthen coordinated responses across our sector. It also created valuable opportunities to connect with policymakers, gender equality organizations, and frontline service providers committed to advancing safety and equity in our communities. IWSO was happy and honoured to participate in this meaningful conversation and to stand alongside partners working toward lasting change.
MEHARI CENTRE
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.  Designating 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 for 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
In this post, Caitlin Thomas, a Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer in Ottawa, shares with us the next round of significant updates in 2026, and how these changes will affect how newcomers apply, work, and reunite with family.
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Melissa Torrado Shares her Immigration Story
My name is Melissa Torrado and I moved to Canada from Colombia in 2006 as a refugee.  Adapting to Canadian culture and language in high school was difficult as I did not receive language support from my schools. I strongly support IWSO’s mission and the services they provide to women-at-risk in the Ottawa community. 
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Join Friends of IWSO

Generous supporters make meaningful donations & continue to make a real difference in the lives of the immigrant and racialized women we serve.The  generosity creates hope, safety, and opportunity for women and families in our community. We truly couldn’t do this work without you. Consider being a part of the IWSO village & join "Friends of IWSO."  Support the good work we do in Ottawa by becoming a monthly donor today.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MONTHLY DONATIONS
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
IWSO Receives Gift from The Stairwell Carollers
The Stairwell Carollers, an a cappella Ottawa choir with a long-standing tradition of supporting local charities, donated $2000 to support IWSO’s programs for immigrant and racialized women fleeing violence.  “We are deeply grateful to The Stairwell Carollers for their generous contribution and for their many years of commitment to supporting local charities,” says Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO. “This donation will directly support our programs for women fleeing violence.”
STAIRWELL CAROLLERS
Barristers for a Better Bytown Support IWSO  
The Barristers for a Better Bytown generously donated $2,000 to IWSO's Milk for Immigrant Children program, a vital initiative that helps ensure newcomers access to fresh, nutritious milk for their children during times of financial transition. This powerful support contributes to children’s health and well-being while easing pressure on parents who are working hard to establish new lives in our community. We extend heartfelt thanks to the Barristers for their kindness and commitment to uplifting immigrant families in Ottawa.
FIND OUT MORE
Export Development-CI Team Donates

The CI Team at Export Development Canada reached out to IWSO with a $5000 donation to help with our ongoing programs.  Leaders in our community like the CI Team who choose to support IWSO, and help ensure that immigrant women and their children in our community have access to the highest quality programming to help them integrate into Canadian society.  We are deeply grateful for this very generous gift. The women we serve thank you very much for always keeping them top of mind.

 
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT
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
Geraldine's Immigration Story

When I left Cameroon in 2014, I did not realize that immigration would become far more than a geographic move. It would become a journey of growth, discovery, and inner transformation.  I came to understand that immigration does not only test our ability to adapt, it tests our inner resilience.
LEARN MORE
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
Creamy Spinach & Lemon Spaghetti
It's time to get ready for spring! Welcome bright and colourful fruits and veggies into your diet with seasonal recipes to cook for dinner.  You'll start to notice spinach at your local grocery store, as well as an abundance of other greens.  Enjoy this easy to prepare dish.
RECIPE
219 Argyle Avenue, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 2H4
infomail@iwso.ca
Tel:  613-729-3145
Fax: 613-729-9308