If you are an immigrant woman with young children, you are welcome to drop by our office every Thursday between 9am & 5pm to pick up FREE milk for your children.  For more information please contact:  infomail@iwso.ca

"I am a very blessed woman, married to an amazing man, but I understand that not all the women coming from other countries are as lucky as I am and have to get “survival jobs” to feed themselves and their children."

Melissa Elizabeth Eberly is an Immigration lawyer at Gerami Law Professional Corporation. In this issue of Connections, she talks about Pathways to Permanent Residence for Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents living in Canada.  To find out more, click the link below.

It's never too late to join "Friends of IWSO."  Why not consider giving the gift of a monthly donation on behalf of friends and family this year to mark their special occasions. 

Ada Tony-llebor, Branch Manager with TD explains more about what you need to know about the First Time Home Buyers Account that helps qualified first-time home buyers reduce their monthly mortgage payments without adding to their financial burdens.

"This will allow us to provide the highest quality of culturally appropriate services to immigrant women and their children.
By providing these opportunities for the women we serve, they are able to integrate and settle into Ottawa, rebuilding their lives and achieving their personal goals," says IWSO Manager for Crisis Intervention and Counseling Services, Josephine Basudde. 

The Foundation Directed $2500 to Strengthen and Expand IWSO’s Support Groups for Immigrant Women. "Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director says, "These funds from the Harry P. Ward Foundation will be put to excellent use helping immigrant and racialized women who are fleeing violence in our community.  We deeply thank the Foundation for these funds.

IWSO announces it's revitalization of the Industrial Sewing Course with the generous support from the Lucy Grossmann-Hensel Fund–Ottawa Community Foundation.  Soon we begin training immigrant women in industrial sewing skills, providing them with the opportunity to be skillfully employed and financially independent.  Stay tuned for updates.

“I started volunteering at IWSO in July 2019. I had been retired for a couple of years and I wanted to get involved with an organization that was helping women."

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

Want to improve your spoken English?  IWSO offers FREE conversation circles at all levels from beginner to advanced.  These Circles are offered online and will give you a safe, women-only environment to practice with other immigrant women at your level.  It's a great way to meet new friends and practice your English all at the same time.  Why not give it a try?  Contact Christine, Gulalai, Ambrosio or Shiree via email.

This month, we feature a this perfect Middle Eastern Roasted Chicken that will soon become your favourite chicken dinner. What make it unique is the most delectable Middle Eastern spice blend.  Try and it enjoy!