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IWSO Connections March 2025
 
In this edition of Connections,  Ada Tony-Ilebor, Branch Manager with TD explains what a credit score is and why it's important to you.  Samanta García Fialdini, a Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer practicing out of Ottawa, writes about changes to spousal open work permits.  We are very excited to share with you, IWSO's new Culinary Entrepreneur Program and introduce you to the Program Coordinator, Charmian Romano.  María Paula Choque shares her student  experience and Farhat Rehman shares her donor story.  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 Puris with Potato Masala.  Take a break, sit back and enjoy reading about all the good things happening at IWSO.
 
IWSO WEBSITE
 
Ask The Bank Manager
A credit score is basically a number that shows how good you are at managing borrowed money, like loans or credit cards. In Canada, it’s a big deal because it affects whether you can get a mortgage, a car loan, or even rent an apartment. The score usually ranges from 300 to 900, with the higher number being better—think of it like a report card for your financial responsibility.  Two main companies, Equifax and TransUnion, keep track of your credit history and calculate your score based on stuff like how punctual you are with payments, how much debt you have, and how long you’ve been using credit. Curious about your credit score and its management?  Read more in the link below.
FIND OUT MORE
New Culinary Entrepreneur Program at IWSO

IWSO is launching a new course designed for women who are passionate and talented in the kitchen but need support in transforming their skills into a thriving food business. This program blends hands-on culinary training with business essentials, covering everything from food safety and recipe development to cost control, marketing, and sales strategies.  To find out more, click here:

https://immigrantwomenservices.com/iwso-culinary-entrepreneur-program/

To read about Charmian Romano, program coordinator, click the link below.
FIND OUT MORE
International Women's Day 2025

On March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day.  This was an occasion to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women across all sectors, while advocating for continued progress toward gender equality. You can honour the women in your life with a gift in their name, to IWSO.
DONATE TO IWSO
María Paula Choque Shares her Student Experience
"Let’s collaborate, mentor, and advocate for a world where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to lead," says María Paula Choque, student of the Leadership for Systemic Change Project."
READ MORE ABOUT MARÍA
Farhat Rehman Shares Why She Donates to IWSO 
I am proud of organizations like IWSO who have contributed towards the essential building blocks of a healthy and vibrant community by nurturing the talent and experiences women bring and helping them ease into and enrich the fabric of Canadian Society. 
READ MORE ABOUT FARHAT

Abigail Williams Shares Why being on the IWSO Board is Important
If you ask me today, the word “immigrant” means so much more to me, than it did almost a decade ago. It means to be brave and to be strong; to have a tenacity and a perseverance that many could not imagine. It means being open minded and curious. 
ABIGAIL'S  STORY
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.To find out more, visit the link below.
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 provides a comprehensive overview of the recent changes to Spousal Open Work Permits. 
FIND OUT MORE
Free Digital Literacy Courses

IWSO remains committed to enhancing digital literacy among immigrant and racialized women through a structured three-level program. Level 1 is designed for beginners, Level 2 focuses on building upon existing skills, and Level 3 offers advanced learning opportunities. To register for in-person or online classes, please contact: Iskrena: iskrena@iwso.ca
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL FOR UPDATES
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 Farsi

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.)
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
TD Lends Their Support for Another Year

TD’s Community Engagement Officer, Lee Rose, said, “We are proud to support the outstanding work of Immigrant Women Services of Ottawa. Ensuring that underserved immigrant and racialized women receive the support they need to thrive is a priority for TD. IWSO’s efforts play a vital role in fostering a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Ottawa, and we are honoured to contribute to their important mission."  IWSO is grateful for TD's ongoing support of the women we serve.
PRESS RELEASE
Interac raises $25,200 for IWSO 

In December, Interac hosted their annual Giving & Diversity Week campaign where employees raised funds in support of local organizations that are committed to helping newcomers in Canada.  "Immigrant Women Services Ottawa was one of the organizations we raised funds for and we are happy to share that we have raised $25,200 to support all the incredible work you do, says Sarika Bhageratty, Corporate Communications & Citizenship Intern."

 
PRESS RELEASE
White Squirrel Cares Donates $1000

IWSO was thrilled to be supported by The White Squirrel Cares Foundation for the third year in a row.  The Foundation is dedicated to making meaningful differences in their community and beyond. Through various charitable initiatives and events. "We are always honoured when new organizations outside our catchment area  recognize the work IWSO does," says Josephine Basudde,Manager- Crisis Intervention and Counselling Services, IWSO.
MORE ABOUT WHITE SQUIRREL
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
Puris with Potato Masala

Try making this traditional Indian dish – a popular lunch during the Holi festivities in spring.  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