Ruth MacKenzie

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) is a non-profit organization operating in the City of Ottawa since 1988. A Board of Directors made up of 15 members is elected at IWSO’s Annual General Meeting. The Board oversees the organizational policies of IWSO and monitors its activities against mandated objectives. Day-to-day operation is managed by an Executive Director with the support of a team of staff and volunteers. IWSO’s charitable registration number is 131976581RR0001. VISION The elimination of all forms of abuse against women and children and achieving social and economic equality for immigrant and visible minority women. MISSION Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) exists to provide immigrant and visible minority women and their families in the City of Ottawa and the surrounding areas, with the support and tools to achieve their full potential as members of the Canadian society and participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women and children. MANDATE To empower immigrant and visible minority women in the City of Ottawa to participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women. To provide culturally responsive crisis counselling and language interpretation services which will facilitate an abused woman’s access to community and mainstream services. To provide services and programs that will assist immigrant women in their journey to attain their full potential.