We always like to begin any conversation about our important work with a reminder of how the Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre (RIWC) was founded with a mission to empower immigrant and refugee women and their families. Although we support all marginalized communities within the GTA, women from diverse backgrounds continue to remain the focus of our services and programs.

As we navigate a post-pandemic reality, key issues have emerged. The community more than ever needs services that allow them to process the events of the last few years in particular so that they can heal. Wellness is becoming a priority for participants across generations. Both staff and clients favour increased flexibility to balance their work and personal obligations, including a hybrid environment with options for in-person and virtual programming. Our members are embracing any opportunity for engagement through discussions, activities, and peer interaction, especially those recovering from the after effects of prolonged social isolation. To that end, we have endeavoured to respond to the needs of our community with
new and relevant programming.

This year, we received funding for a 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC wellness group as a result of demand identified during a pilot initiative in the previous year. We introduced an alternative food service and hospitality training program geared towards marginalized women who face numerous barriers to employment and require flexibility and additional supports for access. We expanded our Seniors’ Digital Literacy Support program to include a technology mentorship component for one-to-one and group support through a hybrid service delivery model. RIWC also launched a free Islamophobia Support Line to provide referral and counselling support for
victims of religious, racial and culture-based violence in an effort to support communities confronting racism and discrimination.

In 2022/23, we served over 444 clients who spoke 39 languages and originated from over 45 countries! The success of our programs and services as represented by the number and diversity of our clients is a direct result of our staff, placement students, and volunteers, whose commitment to the organization remained steadfast during the post-pandemic uncertainty. We understand and appreciate how fortunate we are to have them as part of our team!