Ottawa, ON – September 20, 2022

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) received a grant for $5,000 from The George Lunan Foundation. The grant will be used towards our programming aimed at women fleeing violence.

!We are grateful to The George Lunan Foundation for the support and encouragement

shown by them in our endeavours to provide immigrant and racialized women and their fami- lies in the City of Ottawa and the surrounding area with the support and tools to escape the violence they are living with in our community. The $5,000 grant has been earmarked for our programs that support women fleeing violence and these funds will significantly improve the lives of the women and children we serve,” says Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO.

!Programs for newcomer women and their children who are fleeing violence in their homes or from war, need our support to move forward with their lives. IWSO is unique in providing cul- turally appropriate support to the women we serve so they can lead healthier lives in the fu- ture,” says IWSO Manager for Crisis Intervention and Counseling Services, Josphine Basud- de.

IWSO”s unique program for immigrant women fleeing violence includes services provided by a multidisciplinary team of crisis counsellors, professional translators, settlement and inte- gration counsellors, and volunteers. Women clients are encouraged to participate in facilitat- ed peer-support groups to encourage new connections and friendships. While accessing services mothers can leave their children in the onsite drop-in playroom for children, super- vised by professional, multilingual staff.

About Immigrant Women Services Ottawa:

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.

About The George Lunan Foundation:

The George Lunan Foundation, a private foundation, awards grants to Arts and Cultural, Ed- ucational, Environmental, Health and Welfare, Social Services and Religious organizations operating within the Province of Ontario.