Ottawa, ON — Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) is pleased to receive $60,000 from a donor-advised fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation to continue supporting IWSO’s Sewing for Success Program.

The funding comes at a crucial time and will allow us to continue this program, which provides immigrant and racialized women with valuable industrial sewing skills. This program not only equips participants with practical training but also opens pathways for meaningful employment, independence, and stability for them-selves and their families.

“IWSO extends its heartfelt thanks to the Ottawa Community Foundation donor for their continued commitment to our Sewing for Success program,” says Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO. “This funding is especially meaningful because we have seen firsthand the profound impact this program has on the lives of women in our community and many graduates have gone on to secure employment, gain financial independence, and build brighter futures for their families.

IWSO’s unique programs for immigrant and racialized women fleeing violence includes services provided by a multidisciplinary team of crisis counsellors, professional translators, settlement and integration counsellors, and volunteers. Clients are encouraged to participate in facilitated 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, supervised by professional, multilingual staff.

About Immigrant Women Services Ottawa:

The mandate of (IWSO) is to empower immigrant and racialized women in the City of Ottawa and surrounding areas to participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women; to provide culturally responsive services which will facilitate their access to community and mainstream services and provide other services/programs which will assist immigrant women in their journey to attain their full potential. 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 Ottawa Community Foundation:

The Ottawa Community Foundation is a public, charitable organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. The Foundation works with donors and the community at large as a trusted partner to fulfill impact philanthropy and bring about positive, systemic, and sustainable change.

If you have any questions about the Ottawa Community Foundation, please contact:

Hayley Robateau
Vice President, Communications
hrobateau@ocf-fco.ca
Ottawa Community Foundation