Blogs

Read more about the article My spouse sponsored me for permanent residence and we are now getting separated/divorced. Will this affect my permanent resident status?
Andrew Mortenson, B.A., J.D. - EY Law LLP
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My spouse sponsored me for permanent residence and we are now getting separated/divorced. Will this affect my permanent resident status?

If your marriage or relationship to your spouse or partner was genuine, getting separated or divorced from your sponsor will not affect your permanent resident (PR) status, even if you obtained permanent residence through the sponsorship of your spouse or common-law partner.

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March 11, 2022
Read more about the article CanadaHelps Choose IWSO
IWSO’s Executive Director, Mercy Lawluvi
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CanadaHelps Choose IWSO

CanadaHelps Choose IWSO as their Chraity of Choice for International Women’s Day 2022

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March 10, 2022
Read more about the article Happy International Women’s Day
Women Inspiring women - International Women's Day 2022 #IWD2022
IWSO News / Newsletters

Happy International Women’s Day

Today, we celebrate all the women and girls who inspire others by showing leadership in the choices they make every day towards social, economic, cultural, and political progress.

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March 8, 2022
Read more about the article Volunteering at IWSO- Solange Mattar – Yoga Instructor
Solange Mattar
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Volunteering at IWSO- Solange Mattar – Yoga Instructor

Solange Mattar is a volunteer with IWSO offering yoga and meditation. She teaches every Thursday at 7:00pm via zoom to a lovely group of women. The online class is inclusive to all, gentle and a great way to end your day!

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March 7, 2022
Read more about the article Vietnamese Chicken Pho Recipe
Vietnamese Chicken Pho
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Vietnamese Chicken Pho Recipe

Ingredients: -1 whole chicken (or parts of chickens like legs, drumsticks or breast) it is best to have the parts of the chicken with bones to make the broth tastier -1 box or 2 cans of chicken broth -rice noodle (as much as you like) -1onion -1-2 inch piece of ginger -2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of fish sauce to taste -1/2 teaspoon salt -1/2 teaspoon pepper -4 green onions sliced

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March 3, 2022
Read more about the article Janet Riehm-Donor Story
Janet Riehm
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Janet Riehm-Donor Story

It is an honour to provide some background as to why I am an IWSO monthly donor.

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February 28, 2022
Read more about the article Heather Thomson-Donor Story
Heather Thomson, December 2019, Bunia, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Newsletters

Heather Thomson-Donor Story

How IWSO supports my role as a nurse practitioner in Ottawa

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February 28, 2022
Read more about the article Volunteering at IWSO- By: Hazelle Velicaria
Hazelle Velicaria
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Volunteering at IWSO- By: Hazelle Velicaria

When I was a little girl, I would often hear family members recount their personal experiences of leaving their beloved homes and humble roots, emigrating from the Philippines in search of a better life. Growing up, I quickly realized that these stories of sacrifices and challenges are common narratives shared amongst many immigrants.

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February 28, 2022
Read more about the article Telus Friendly Future Foundation Grants IWSO $20,000
IWSO News / Newsletters

Telus Friendly Future Foundation Grants IWSO $20,000

Ottawa, ON – December 10, 2021… Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) an-nounces the receipt of a donation of $20,000 from the Telus Friendly Future Founda-tion™ to support the IWSO Children Who Witness Violence Program.

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December 21, 2021
Read more about the article NATILLA COLOMBIANA (COLOMBIA PUDDING)
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NATILLA COLOMBIANA (COLOMBIA PUDDING)

On December 7th in Colombia, friends get together to celebrate “el dia e las velitas”, a Christmas tradition in honor of the Virgin Mary. They light candles in front of their houses or on their balconies, cook traditional Christmas treats, like Natilla and Buñuelos and of course, they party

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December 6, 2021
Read more about the article Settlement Success Story
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Settlement Success Story

My name is Aida and I came across an IWSO poster at my adult high school in 2020. Determined to pass my Canadian Citizenship Test after a previous unsuccessful attempt, I was immediately intrigued and began attending the online weekly citizenship lectures and discussion groups offered by IWSO.

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December 6, 2021
Read more about the article Elizabeth Doyle-Donor Story
Elizabeth Doyle
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Elizabeth Doyle-Donor Story

Elizabeth Doyle, an active supporter of IWSO shares why she wanted to give back to helping immigrant women and especially IWSO.

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December 6, 2021
Read more about the article How do I become a Canadian citizen?
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How do I become a Canadian citizen?

For many Canadians, their citizenship is obtained by birth, either because they were born in Canada, or they have a Canadian parent. However, Canadian citizenship can also be granted to Permanent Residents through what is called the “naturalization” process.

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December 6, 2021
Read more about the article Racial Profiling in a Criminal Context
Lisa Christian
Newsletters

Racial Profiling in a Criminal Context

In law, racial profiling occurs when race or racial stereotypes are used, either consciously or unconsciously, and to any degree, in the selection or treatment of a suspect.

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September 24, 2021
Read more about the article Ajiaco Bogotano (Colombia)
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Ajiaco Bogotano (Colombia)

We typically serve the soup in ceramic black bowls just like the one in the photo, sitting in a basket . Ajiaco its a part of Christmas celebration for people in Bogota, the capital of Colombia.

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September 23, 2021
Read more about the article Citizenship Success Story
Newsletters

Citizenship Success Story

My name is Aida and I came across an IWSO poster at my adult high school in 2020. Determined to pass my Canadian Citizenship Test after a previous unsuccessful attempt, I was immediately intrigued and began attending the online weekly citizenship lectures and discussion groups offered by IWSO.

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September 22, 2021
Read more about the article What does it means to sit on the IWSO Board of Directors
Newsletters

What does it means to sit on the IWSO Board of Directors

IWSO is governed by a women-led Board of Directors, the majority being immigrant and racialized women themselves. If you have ever wondered what it means to these exceptional women to actually have a seat at the IWSO table, read here what this opportunity means to them.

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September 21, 2021
Read more about the article Donor Spotlights
Beverly Ensom and her son Paul Ensom
Newsletters

Donor Spotlights

IWSO Connections has started a new series of Donor Spotlights so that our community can meet the individuals, families and funders who make our work possible in the Ottawa area. We are proud to feature the great diversity of donors who are all connected by a commitment to investing in gender equity for immigrant and racialized women. Meet Beverly Ensom and her son Paul Ensom.

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September 20, 2021
Read more about the article PR Residency Obligation
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PR Residency Obligation

This article addresses the following question: Once I am a permanent resident of Canada, do I have to stay in Canada?

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September 17, 2021
Read more about the article Robert Campeau Family Foundation Supports IWSO Programming
IWSO News / Newsletters

Robert Campeau Family Foundation Supports IWSO Programming

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), announced that The Robert Campeau Foundation has graciously donated $3000 in support of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. Funding will go directly to providing support to our many programs that support immigrant women and their children.

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August 30, 2021
Read more about the article Harry P. Ward Foundation
IWSO News / Newsletters

Harry P. Ward Foundation

The Harry P. Ward Foundation Directs $2500 to Support IWSO’s Programming for Children Who Witness Violence In Their Homes

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July 27, 2021
Read more about the article Service Providers Testimonials
Newsletters

Service Providers Testimonials

On a daily basis, IWSO works closely with a myriad of service providers, ensuring the immigrant and racialized women in our area receive the best interpretation available to meet their vast needs and circumstances. We are proud of the work we are able to do in this area and feel privileged to serve our clients.

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July 2, 2021
Read more about the article Thao Duong-IWSO Manager of Settlement and Integration
Thao and her family came to Canada in the early 1980’s.  Here is her settlement story.
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Thao Duong-IWSO Manager of Settlement and Integration

Thao and her family came to Canada in the early 1980’s.  Here is her settlement story.

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June 29, 2021
Read more about the article Breaking the Law in Canada
Lisa Christian
Newsletters

Breaking the Law in Canada

Breaking the law - you may be doing it right now. There are a number of reasons for this, most of which are out of your control. Every person in Canada faces the same challenges in remaining law abiding. Allow me to explain.

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June 29, 2021
Read more about the article Stuffed Grape Leaves
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Stuffed Grape Leaves

Stuffed Grape Leaves Ingredient Checklist ● 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice ● 1 large onion, chopped ● ½ cup chopped fresh dill ● ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves ● 2 quarts chicken broth ● ¾ cup fresh lemon juice, divided ● 60 grape leaves, drained and rinsed ● hot water as needed ● 1 cup olive oil

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June 29, 2021
Read more about the article Do I need an Immigration lawyer?
Andrew Mortenson, B.A., J.D. - EY Law LLP
Newsletters

Do I need an Immigration lawyer?

No, you are not required to hire an immigration lawyer to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration to Canada, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to make a refugee claim or file an immigration appeal, or apply to the Federal Court to seek judicial review of a refusal. However, even though it is not a requirement, I strongly recommend that you get legal advice from a lawyer that is personalized to your situation before making any immigration application or refugee claim.

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June 28, 2021
Read more about the article Boyd McBride & Barbara MacKinnon Donor Story
Boyd McBride & Barbara MacKinnon
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Boyd McBride & Barbara MacKinnon Donor Story

I am sure that everyone reading this has probably wanted to ‘change the world’ somehow. I know, Barbara and I did… and we still do.

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June 27, 2021
Read more about the article Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF) Press Release
IWSO News / Newsletters

Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF) Press Release

IWSOMercy Lawluvi,Executive Director(613) 729-3145mercy@immigrantwomenservices.com  Canadian Women’s FoundationRebecca Aird,Director, Strategic and Community Initiatives(416) 365-1444 RAird@ocf-fco.ca Local Community Foundation Supports Digital Literacy…

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May 10, 2021
Read more about the article IWSO CWF Press Release
IWSO News / Newsletters

IWSO CWF Press Release

Canadian Women’s Foundation Directs $47,500 to IWSO in support of victims of abuse during the Covid-19 Pandemic

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April 22, 2021
IWSO News / Newsletters

IWSO CONNECTIONS
April 2021 Newsletter

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa219 Argyle Avenue, Suite 400Ottawa, OntarioK2P 2H4Tel: 613-729-3145Fax: 613-729-9308 Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin Contact Us

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April 2021 Newsletter
April 16, 2021
Events

IWSO AGM- October 27, 2020

Please review the following documents for the  scheduled virtual IWSO Annual General Meeting  on October 27th 2020 IWSO AGM Sept. 2019…

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October 19, 2020
Read more about the article #blacklivesmatter
IWSO News / Newsletters

#blacklivesmatter

“It is time for the scourge of racism to be eradicated. We stand united We stand in solidarity We stand for justice and fairness” Mercy Lawluvi – IWSO Executive Director #TakeAKnee #Solidarity #humanrights #injustice #racism #racist #feminism #equality #love #sexism #stopracism #humanrights #feminist #politics #discrimination # #antiracism #black #blm #icantbreathe #blacklivesmatter

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June 4, 2020
Read more about the article #Givingtuesdaynow
IWSO News / Newsletters

#Givingtuesdaynow

Normally Giving Tuesday is on the Tuesday after Black Friday but in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place today May 5, 2020.

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May 5, 2020
IWSO News

IWSO Receives Gender Equality Funding

IWSO is excited to announce that we have been selected to receive vital funding of $200K as part of the Government…

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June 17, 2019