Mark your calendars to attend this exciting evening to support IWSO.  The Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management students (BHTM) will be hosting an exciting evening.  Door prizes, a silent auction, music and a delicious menu will make this a very special occasion.  Scan the QR code in the flyer to purchase your tickets now as space is limited.  All proceeds will go to IWSO programs helping immigrant and racialized women fleeing violence.

IWSO was thrilled to receive recognition during 2024 Non Profit Appreciation Week.  MPP for Ottawa Centre, Joel Harden, extended his appreciation for all that IWSO does in the community.   "We were honoured to receive this certificate from Mr. Harden.  The Staff and Board work extremely hard to make sure no immigrant woman is overlooked.  Appreciation from our MPP, demonstrates we are a valuable resource in our community," say Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO. 

"When I moved to Canada with all my qualifications, including a Master's Degree, 10 years of teaching and translation experience, knowing and speaking 7 languages, it was very difficult to find a job."

"Knowing first-hand the range of services IWSO provides to immigrant women and their families, the principles underlying the organization’s governance and programming, and the real benefits these services provide to women as well as sponsors, makes it easy for me to choose to support IWSO as a donor," says Heather Smith Fowler.

In February, the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF), paid a visit on behalf of the Lucy Grossmann-Hansel Fund to witness this program in action.   Mozhgan Fahandezhsadii, Industrial Sewing Instructor said, “We were delighted to show the OCF just how successful this program has become."  The students were happy to receive OCF staff as well as Michael Maidment,
President and CEO.   Students were excited to show off the skills they have acquired through IWSO's industrial sewing program.

During a special Vanentine's Day lunchon, Dillon Consulting presented IWSO with brand new linens and household items to help immigrant women starting their new life in Canada.  "We are alway very grateful for the new items Dillon Consulting donates.  These items greatly assist some of the most vulnerable immigrant women in our city," says Rajnish Sharma, Community Outreach Worker with IWSO.

IWSO extends our gratitude to the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for their $20,000 Grant directed to IWSO's Children Who Witness Violence Program. “Our vision is the leave no child behind and to reach these children early so the cycle of violence, they have witnessed, does not permeate their lives.” says IWSO's Children's Counsellor, Charlene Kalubi.

Interac Corporation Employee’s Giving & Diversity Week campaign, held in December, raised $25,200 for IWSO! Funds will be put towards programs aimed at Women Fleeing Violence.  

"Corporations that come forward and lead the way, help ensure IWSO's programming can continue for the immigrant and racialized women we serve," Says Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director.

In this edition of Connections, Ada Tony-llebor, Branch Manager with TD says, "Knowing how to budget is crucial to making your financial goals happen."  She advises all of us to watch the TD video about this topic and not to be too hard on ourselves when we occasionally slip up.  Click the link below to discover a few tips and tricks to help you when you think about creating your personal budget.

IWSO celebrated IWD on March 6th with Philippine Centre Canada (PCC) at a fantastic venue where we extend a warm welcome to over 100 guests and supporters.  We commemorated the day, acknowledging the remarkable achievements, resilience, and contributions of women from all walks of life. It was an opportunity to connect, network, and uplift one another in a supportive and empowering environment.  The afternoon was filled with inspiring discussions, engaging activities, and delicious refreshments.  Together we recognized the importance of women's voices and experiences in shaping our communities and our world. 

Melissa Elizabeth Eberly, an immigration lawyer with Paolucci Law says, "I have talked to many international students who have unknowingly jeopardized their plans for their future in Canada. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to talk about one of the common issues I have come across in my practice, which is the consequences of failing to maintain full-time student status as an international student in Canada."

IWSO continues to provide immigrant and racialized women, digital literacy in three different levels.  Level 1 for beginners, Level 2 for improving skills already learned and, Level 3 for more advanced learning.  To register for in-person and online classes, contact a staff member listed in the flyer.

Thinking about donating to IWSO?  Please consider Monthly Giving.  Funds given monthly, allow us to rely on steady and much needed income that we can use where it is needed the most.  If you are thinking of giving someone a gift, monthly donations in their name is a wonderful way to honour a friend or family member.

IWSO, with the assistance of our Language & Interpretation Service (LIS) is proud to offer our website in Farsi.  This is made possible by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Connecting Ottawa knows the challenges associated with locating services in Ottawa.  This helpful website allows you to find social services in Ottawa and the surrounding areas by searching with keywords or by category.

Most recently, Cohort #3 had its first workshop on January 3rd and every week since. We are striving to match participants to mentors and placement organizations before March 31st. Once the matching is complete, IWSO will continue fostering the mentor-mentee relationship and placement beyond the project end date.

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.

Hot cross buns pre-date Christianity, with their origins in paganism.  Ancient Egyptians used small round breads topped with crosses to celebrate the gods. The cross divided the bread into four equal sections, representing either the four phases of the moon or the four seasons, depending on the occasion.  Why not give them a try during Easter celebrations this year.