Creating Positive Changes in Women’s Lives

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa is a community based agency serving immigrant and racialized women. We create opportunities for women as they integrate into a new society, rebuild their lives free of violence, and achieve their personal goals. Every year, over 2000 women and children are helped by IWSO’s dedicated staff and volunteers.

Our Services

Crisis Intervention and Counselling

Emergency – Help for Women – Help for Children – Contact Crisis Intervention and Counselling Services

Interpretation and Translation

English – French
Free Language Interpretation Services – Fee-for-Service Requests

Settlement and Integration

Employment Services – Computer Training – Childcare – Activities – Settlement and Integration

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What People Say About Us

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IWSO ClientArts & Crafts participant

I love the art classes because it brought out hidden feelings and left me with an inner beautiful happiness. I remember one day I was extremely frustrated, felt nothing is going on as should be, so I started the class using aggressive colours, and just being among other women in the safe, friendly environment I saw my colours changing to pretty flowery thing. Could not believe myself.

IWSO ClientJob Search participant

I now have a better understanding of how to search for a job in Canada. The teacher at the Job Search Workshop was very kind and helped me to recognize my skills and expertise. I now hope to find a job in my profession very soon.

IWSO Client

IWSO’s staff stood by me in the worst time of my life. Thank you very much for your support and empowerment.

Harmony House Worker

We are very happy with IWSO’s services and rely on them to connect women with women who speak other languages.

LawyerFamily Law Office

Interpreter was very professional and courteous, made the client very comfortable.

IWSO ClientSuper talented interpreter, a pleasure to work with. Counsellor Ottawa Police Victim Crisis Unit

I want to express my thankfulness to IWSO from the bottom of my heart. Because of IWSO, finally I have a safe home and life. Every IWSO staff help someone like me. They help me overcome the most difficult time of my life. Now I have my own place to stay, my daughter can go to school. Without IWSO’s help, I am not myself today.

University of Ottawa

Interpreter was very professional and pleasant to work with.

IWSO Client

When I arrived in Canada, I felt lost, alone and overwhelmed. I’m so grateful I was referred to IWSO. Thanks for your support, guidance and the information you provided. I now feel confident to access services and I feel I am part of the Ottawa community.

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support us

We are grateful for the generosity of those who have supported our work for the past 30 years through their donations and time, whether in an ongoing capacity or for some specific event or activity.