About Us
Our History
IWSO was founded in 1988 to meet the needs of immigrant and visible minority women who were victims of domestic abuse. It was originally named Immigrant and Visible Minority Women Against Abuse (IVMWAA). In 1989, we provided integrated crisis support and language interpretation services in three languages: Spanish, Arabic and English.
Our Beginning
At the 2002 Annual General Meeting, Immigrant and Visible Minority Women Against Abuse changed its name to Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO). The new name reflected its expanded representation and services for newcomers in Ottawa. Today, IWSO offers counseling and support in over 70 languages. It has added programs like Settlement and Integration Services, benefiting community workers and newcomers in Eastern Ontario
Our Structure
IWSO is a non-profit organization operating in the City of Ottawa. Its charitable registration number is 131976581RR0001. A 15-member Board of Directors is elected by IWSO members at an Annual General Meeting.
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect people to services by giving them a voice through language.
