Starting over

is never easy.

For refugees fleeing violence and new Canadians seeking to build a better life, this is especially true.

Know the difference

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees notes that interchanging terms such as "migrant," "refugees" and "immigrants" can cause problems for those seeking asylum and confuse discussions about migration.

Who is a newcomer?

An immigrant or refugee who has been in Canada for less than five years. Newcomers have access to services at settlement agencies, like language classes or counselling.

Who is a refugee?

Refugees are people who come to Canada seeking safety and protection. Refugees may come to Canada because of war, natural disasters, or because they are being targeted because of their race, religion, sexuality, or another reason.

Are there different types of refugees?

Canada’s refugee system offers 3 pathways for resettlement: government assistance, private sponsorship, and blended visa office-referred program. All three paths can lead to permanent resident status.

Common issues faced by refugees & newcomers

We all face challenges over our lifetime, like finding a job or affordable housing. Refugee and newcomer families face many of life’s challenges within a very short period of time. Normally we can rely on the support of friends, family and neighbours to help us when we need a hand, but newcomers and refugees often have no social networks and rely on agencies like Working Women to help them overcome these challenges to build their new lives.


Examples of issues faced by refugees and newcomers:

  • Language and communication barriers
  • Impact of disrupted education on schooling and navigating a new educational system
  • Access to/knowledge of local services and professional assistance
  • Adjusting to Canadian winters and obtaining appropriate clothing
  • Loss of traditional foods and cooking methods
  • Financial difficulties, unemployment and finding affordable housing
  • Distance and lack of communication with families
  • Physical/mental health issues due to trauma, including survivor guilt, stress


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How Working Women Helps

For over 4 decades, Working Women Community Centre has worked to provide access to the right programs and services that build healthy communities. From resettlement services and mental health support services to early learning programs for newcomers and refugees, we work to provide holistic programs and services delivered by caring and knowledgeable staff.

Food Security Program

Access to nutritious food is critically important for individual and family health and wellness. Our food security programs promote direct access to food supports, such as local food banks, community kitchen workshops and community gardens.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)

A three-year program that provides mothers with tools to support their children’s success at school and early skill development, while providing employment for mothers that have graduated from the program.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada 

12-full time certified English instructors help refugees and newcomers improve their English skills to help them integrate, find employment and become active members of their community.

Turtle House

Creates social and artistic outlets for refugee and newcomer children and their children and their parents/caregivers to use arts to explore what community means to them and ways to establish community here in Canada.

With your support we are

strengthening our community

Each year we help 10,000+ people including more than 1,100 refugees from 120+ countries start their new lives in Canada. 70% of those we assist are women. Last year we helped:

1,200

refugees and newcomers improve their English language skills

2,000

refugees and newcomers develop and strengthen social networks

300

families access nutritious food through our gardens and cooking classes

150

refugees find support groups to help cope with past trauma and adjusting to life in Canada

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Find our how you can help

Join our email list to learn how you can support refugee and newcomer families settle in Canada and access the education resources they need.