Unifor Social Justice Fund Commits $10,000 towards Critical IWSO Programming for Women Fleeing Violence

Post published:May 29, 2023
Post category:Newsletters
Reading time:4 mins read

IWSO
Mercy Lawluvi,
Executive Director
(613) 729-3145
mercy@immigrantwomenservices.com

Ottawa, ON – 2023. Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) recognized a significant donation of $10,000 from Unifor’s Social Justice Fund.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Unifor Social Justice Fund for this generous gift of $10,000 to support the critical programming that IWSO offers to immigrant and racialized women in Ottawa fleeing violence,” says Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO. “Being able to offer our diverse programs, which have become a necessity for the safety, mental health and wellbeing of the women we serve, is essential, especially as we recover post COVID-19.”

Unifor Social Justice Fund Director, Navjeet Sidhu said, “We are honoured to support the important work of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. Making sure their programming continues is imperative for immigrant and racialized women so they can live in safety and security. This is something the Unifor Social Justice Fund takes seriously, and we are honoured to be able to support the excellent work of IWSO.”

IWSO manager for Crisis Intervention and Counselling Services, Josphine Basudde says, “We are grateful to the Unifor Social Justice Fund for their Leadership Gift. It is inspiring to see an organization outside of our catchment area step up to ensure IWSO’s important programming continues, thus supporting our immigrant population so we all continue to build stronger communities.”

IWSO includes a multi-disciplinary team (crisis counsellors, professional interpreters, settlement and integration counsellors, and volunteers) offering support to immigrant and racialized women in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.

Position Summary

In consultation with the Manager of Settlement and Integration Services, organize and deliver settlement services to immigrant and newcomer women.

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.

The Unifor Social Justice Fund

The Unifor Social Justice Fund is a registered charity which distributes funds negotiated at the collective bargaining table from employers, to help support community groups and charitable organizations both in Canada and around the world. The Social Justice Fund is an expression of Unifor’s philosophy and commitment to ‘social unionism,’ working to improve conditions for other workers, their families and communities at large. The Fund has long supported domestic and international projects aimed at strengthening democracy, improving labour and human rights promoting equitable development, and contributing to poverty reduction and social justice.