About Us

Established in 1982, Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre (RIWC) is a community based registered charity with a mission to empower equity-deserving groups and create flourishing communities by mobilizing resources and supports at the local and systemic levels. We provide a community-centered environment that recognizes Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, confronts racism, including anti-black racism and Islamophobia, and welcomes all people.

DEI Leadership Strategy

Two-year initiative funded by WAGE to develop a community-based DEI Leadership Strategy.

Promoting Digital Literacy

RIWC is committed to improving women’s connection to the community and equitable access to services through digital literacy training and access to technology.

Technology Mentorship Program

Access NEW one-to-one mentorship and group services for older adult immigrant and refugee women

Our Programs

RIWC provides free counselling and skills training programs through our Violence Against Women Program, Essential Pathways to Employment, Food Service and Hospitality Training and Student Placement Program.

Our Projects

RIWC engages in a range of policy and wraparound support initiatives to promote gender equity and access. Our initiatives address affordable housing, seniors’ health, digital literacy and inclusive workplace practices.

Resources

RIWC has developed resources for our clients to download and direct them to essential community services, improve digital literacy, and empower newcomers with knowledge about basic workplace rights.

Our Programs

RIWC provides free counselling and skills training programs through our Violence Against Women Program, Essential Pathways to Employment, Food Service and Hospitality Training and Student Placement Program.

Our Projects

RIWC engages in a range of policy and wraparound support initiatives to promote gender equity and access. Our initiatives address affordable housing, seniors’ health, digital literacy and inclusive workplace practices.

Resources

RIWC has developed resources for our clients to download and direct them to essential community services, improve digital literacy, and empower newcomers with knowledge about basic workplace rights.

Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre

RIWC is a community-based registered charity with a mission to empower equity-deserving groups and create flourishing communities by mobilizing resources and supports at the local and systemic levels. We provide a community-centered environment that recognizes Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, confronts racism, including anti-black racism and Islamophobia, and welcomes all people.  

Each year, we served over 600 clients from across the Greater Toronto Area. Our settlement services, anti-violence counseling and employment skills training and senior’s health and wellness programs work together to address the diverse needs of newcomers to help them thrive in their communities.

We provide referrals for French-speaking women and their families to French-speaking organizations for crisis, individual, and all counselling services.

RIWC News & Updates

NEW! Integrated Employment Program

This spring, RIWC is launching a new Integrated Employment Program at the Riverdale Hub.  Integrated Employment Services combines social assistance employment services with other government employment services under Employment Ontario. The goal is to create a system that enables sustainable employment outcomes for job seekers, businesses, and local communities.

More information coming soon…

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy

This spring, RIWC will be hosting a series of DEI Conversation Circles in the community between February and May 2025. We will work with a cross-section of community partners to develop DE&I Leadership Strategy and launch an employer outreach strategy to promote the economic inclusion of newcomer and racialized women and gender-diverse people in Toronto’s labour market.  

Get In Touch

Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre

1326 Gerrard St E.
Toronto, ON M4L 1Z1
(416) 465-6021​
info@riwc.ca