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Calgary Immigrant Women's Association's Newsletter
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Announcements
Agency Closure: December 24 - January 3 (Inclusive)
CIWA will be closed for the holiday season starting December 24th and will reopen on January 4, 2021. Please note that we are currently offering services remotely via telephone, email, or virtually (Zoom/MS Teams) from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Our best wishes to you and your family!
Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs, Presented by KPMG
CIWA's very own, Beba Svigir, was one of the three Canadian Female CEOs recognized as the compelling force behind their organizations. CIWA has tremendously grown under Beba’s leadership over the last 15 years. With Beba, CIWA has been able to continually respond to emerging needs of immigrant women and girls through innovative programs and meaningful partnerships. CIWA has also been recognized as a provincial and national leader in outcome-based gender-specific settlement services. Please join us in congratulating Beba for this outstanding recognition!
Highlights
Champions for Victims of Family Violence
During Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, CIWA launched four videos on family violence to raise the awareness of employers and community members about family violence among immigrant women. These resources aim to enhance viewer's knowledge and ability to recognize signs and respond to disclosures of family violence. The Champions for Victims of Family Violence project was funded by Justice Canada with support from Shaw Communications. To access the resources, click here.
Alternative Childcare Support for LINC Children
This regional project (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) involves five participating non-profit agencies offering services defined as Care for Newcomer Children. It is a six-month initiative that will explore, pilot and evaluate alternative childcare options to ensure that the development of youngsters between 30 months and 6 years of age is addressed in an innovative way during the pandemic as a majority of LINC parents have opted to participate in the LINC program remotely from home.
Cross Cultural Singing Group
CIWA's partnership with Calgary Opera has provided a unique opportunity for women from various ethnic backgrounds to share their love for music. Click here to watch the virtual musical performances featuring our talented clients from the Cross Cultural Singing Group.
We are now accepting registrations for the next Cross Cultural Singing Group! Sessions will be held on Mondays from January 18th to March 8, 2021. Contact Stephania Romaniuk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 403-262-7286 ext. 134.
Ecclesiastical Insurance
CIWA received funding from the Ecclesiastical Insurance Community Grant Program to provide immigrant women fleeing abusive situations and immigrant families at risk of eviction with access to emergency housing support. The Ecclesiastical Insurance is owned by a charitable trust and donates all their surplus profits to the communities they serve.
Electronic Recycling Association
ERA donated computers, laptops and smart phones to CIWA's clients in Retail Training Program and Child Development Worker Training. The Electronic Recycling Association reduces adverse environmental contribution through electronic recycling, repurposing and through the donation of electronics and other IT equipment.
Links to Young Adults Employment
Congratulations to the 12 young professional immigrant women who recently completed the Links to Young Adult Employment training!
This month, 15 young professional mothers are now excited to start their practicum placements after the 10-week Links to Young Adult Employment training.
Links to Young Adult Employment provides young immigrant and refugee mothers with training and support to develop long-term career plans and to enter meaningful employment. To learn more, click here.
Speak Up Speak Out: Open Up About Mental Health
In partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association, CIWA held a campaign on dismantling misconceptions and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. The Speak Up Speak Out campaign involved community leaders who volunteered to spread awareness and help eradicate mental health myths. Thank you, Alazne, Raksh, Bea and Emerita!
Volunteers: The Stars of CIWA
On December 4th, CIWA held its Volunteer Appreciation Event virtually. Over 70 individuals joined us in celebrating our volunteers. In the last year, 620 volunteers supported our programs, contributing a total of over 19,500 volunteer hours. This translates to a total value of $481,000 in HR contribution and over $500,000 of in-kind volunteer contribution. As a non-profit organization, CIWA relies on the commitment and support of its volunteers. You are the stars of CIWA!
Click here to see the volunteers of month for 2020 and here for information about the Volunteer Program.
Holiday Supports for Immigrant Families
CIWA engages the Calgary community in supporting low income immigrant families during the holiday season. Thank you, donors, for spreading cheer to immigrant families!
Adopt-a-Family Project for Holiday 2020
This holiday season, CIWA reached the highest number of vulnerable immigrant families served through Adopt-a-Family! 76 families received hampers of food supplies and essential items, and over 200 children received Christmas toys.
Mini Calgary Toy Drive
Susan Veres, our volunteer from Honeycomb Solutions, took the initiative to hold a toy drive in the community of Elbow Valley. Using a Mini Cooper, Susan filled this sleigh to the brim with some fantastic toys, treats and gift cards worth approximately $2,200. Honeycomb Solutions works alongside executives and senior leaders to understand business challenges, to help forge connections, and to build profitability.
Purses of Hope
Purses of Hope donated over 45 purses to CIWA. For the past 9 years, Purses of Hope has been reaching out to women - one purse at a time - by distributing purses filled with various essential items.
Sock Rocket
Sock Rocket donated 200 pairs of children's socks to CIWA. Sock Rocket is a Canadian sock company and social enterprise. They make original, colourful, funky socks, and at the same time donate thousands of pairs of socks to those in need.
Upcoming Event
Youth Forum: February 11, 2021
The Youth Mentorship Program is holding a virtual Youth Forum on February 11, 2021. The event highlights the accomplishments of mentors and mentees and seeks to showcase the beauty in diversity and cross cultural learnings.
The Youth Forum is also the platform for the Daughters Day Awards. Five immigrant youth from Calgary, ages 12 to 29 years old, will be recognized as Daughters of the Year and will receive monetary scholarship in support to their educational needs. CIWA is accepting nominations until December 31st. Click here for more information.
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