The Knights of Columbus awards $1000 grant to support IWSO’s programming

Ottawa, ON – July 19, 2021… Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), today announced that they have received a grant of $1000 from The Knights of Columbus.  This grant will be used towards continuing the extremely important programming for immigrant and racialized women in the City of Ottawa.

Knights of Columbus President, Dan Sullivan said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors we are honoured to support Immigrant Women Services Ottawa and all the great work they do to uplift racialized women in our community.”

“We are grateful to the Knights of Columbus for standing with us in keeping our valuable and essential programming running for some of the most marginalized members of our community.” said Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO.

IWSO includes a multi-disciplinary team (crisis counsellors, professional translators, settlement and integration counsellors, and volunteers) offering comfort and support to immigrant and racialized women in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.

“Often, these women are isolated due to language barriers.  Being new to not only Canada but also the city they live in, IWSO’s programming brings these women together in a women’s only space where they form strong bonds and a sense of belonging,” said Thao Duong, Co-ordinator of Settlement and Integration for IWSO.  “Thanks to today’s grant, we will be able to continue to offer a variety of programming for our clients.”

The Knights of Columbus’ mission is to empower Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.  For the Knights of Columbus, charity means supporting a virtually boundless variety of projects. KOC programming includes faith, family, community and life.

About Immigrant Women Services Ottawa:

The mandate of (IWSO) is to empower immigrant and racialized women in the City of Ottawa and surrounding areas to participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women; to provide culturally responsive services which will facilitate their access to community and mainstream services and provide other services/programs which will assist immigrant women in their journey to attain their full potential.  Immigrant Women Services Ottawa is a community-based agency serving immigrant and racialized women. We create opportunities for women as they integrate into a new society, rebuild their lives free of violence, and achieve their personal goals.

About Knights of Columbus:

KOC are informed by the four core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Founded by Michael J. McGivney, the KOC primary purpose was to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died.  Today KOC are active in their communities running such programs as Coats for Kids, Special Olympics and Food for Families.  The Knights of Columbus Scholarships have been helping young people obtain this freedom since their founding.  During the past year, the Supreme Council provided nearly $1 million in scholarships to students attending colleges, universities, and seminaries.