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Support Services for Women

Presented by Li(Emily) Yan

Saskatoon Open Door Society

OUTLINE

• Overview of Support Services for Immigrant Women in

Saskatoon, SK

• Saskatoon Open Door Society

• Women’s Support Programs

• RIFS ( Refugee and Immigrant Family Strengthening)

• Successes

• Challenges

Overview of Support Services for Women in Saskatoon

• International Women of Saskatoon (IWS)• Just4Women: A gender sensitive program that provides support for women who

are at risk of isolation, domestic violence, and lack access to social supports. (18

yrs. or older; citizen, visitors, PR, work permits)

• Employment Training Program: For clients CLB level 3-5 to be trained in entry

level positions. Life skills training and technical training provided: Food Safe,

First Aid/CPR, WHIMS, also includes a 6-week unpaid work placement.

• Family Services of Saskatoon• Domestic Violence Drop-in Group: Education sessions and supports with

childcare provided. Twice a week.

• Station 20 West• Saskatoon Mother’s Center: A “home-like” atmosphere for women to come and

share with other women, focusing on their strengths. (everyday)


• Women’s Health Center• Women’s Midlife Health Program: Providing education and information to women

experiencing various health issues, e.g. menopause. Referral by family doctor.

• YWCA• Trade Journey: The program teaches women for careers in trade industry with

apprenticeship training included. (Free)

• USSU Women’s Center• Discussion groups that open to anyone. Topics include parenting, body image,

reproductive choices etc.

• University of Saskatchewan• Self Defense for Women ( R.A.D): 12 hours of training in realistic self-defense

tactics. ($20 per person)


• Global Gathering Place• Women Exchanging Life’s Lessons: This program is offered to vulnerable

immigrant women with an emphasis on health. Activities include meeting health professionals, sharing skills, skill-building, social support, and information sessions. (childcare provided)

• Shelters:• Saskatoon Interval House and The Mumford House: for women and their children.

• Adelle House: for women and children after leaving the interval house.

• YWCA Crisis Shelter: shelter and support for women and their children. Onsite parenting, nutrition, and cultural programs.

• Sexual Health Center• Resources and information

• Birth control

• Clinic

Saskatoon Open Door Society

• Language Training and Daycare

• Settlement and Family Support Services

• Parenting & Nutrition Programs

• Pre & Post Natal, Early Years, Teens and Parents

• Home visit, supports, information and education

• Women’s Support Programs

• Men’s Support Programs

• Settlement and Community Support Services

• Employment Services

Saskatoon Open Door Society – Women’s Support Programs

• Women’s Support Groups

• Offers a chance for women to share their experiences, make

new friends, learn about resources and cultures, rules and

customs. Guest speakers provide educational information

focusing on participant’s needs and interests.

• PR

• Target clients

• Topics include culture shock, coping with stress, family violence, self-

care, building a healthy relationship, health information, law

enforcement, employment, education, social services…etc.

• Twice a year, 10 weeks, 15-25 clients


• Women’s Creative Club

• Educational and information sessions built around arts and

crafts. Sessions focus on positive development of newcomer

women’s future by stimulating their creativity and guiding

them to explore their potential.

• PR

• Target clients

• Topics include coping with stress, how to start a small business,

women and family health, parenting, building a new life, expressing

ourselves through the arts, preparing for employment, etc.

• Twice a year, 8 weeks, 15-25 clients

❖ Most practical program in terms of getting our women clients

involved in their action planning for their new lives, acquiring new

skills, and to prepare for employment.


• Women’s Wellness Group

• Focus on the positive development of newcomer women’s

physical and emotional well-being by involving them into

group based physical activities , introducing them to

community civic centers and activities, and guiding them to

a healthy lifestyle.

• Holistic approach for immigrant women and their family’ s settlement

life

• Target clients

• Topics include healthy eating and lifestyle, coping with stress, daily

physical activities, etc.

• On going, 10 weeks


• Women’s Events

• Empowering Immigrant Women and Self-Care

• The purpose is to bring the newcomer women and the

community together, to celebrate and to share. We want to

make sure that our immigrant women can feel the

welcoming environment of their new home country.

• Activities include: guest speakers, story sharing,

information desks, crafts sale, education sessions such as

legal information and health information.

• Performance and fashion show.


• One on One Support

• Clients receive support and guidance on personal issues

such as family, parenting and health concerns.

• Referral

• Support Services Upon Request

Empowering Immigrant Women:

A Journey of Inspiration and Success

Women’s Support Programs

Saskatoon Open Door Society – RIFS

• Refugee and Immigrant Family Strengthening ( RIFS)

Saskatoon Open Door Society – Successes

• Positive feed back from clients and community

• High attendance

• Clients have started own business, professional training, etc.

• Clients have become confident and independent in

accessing local resources and community organizations.

• Clients are motivated (learning English)

• Improved emotional and physical well-being

• Registration:

• 107 new registrations in 2016 fiscal year

• Over 220 clients joined our women’s events in 2016

Saskatoon Open Door Society – Challenges

• Transportation (potential driving program for women?)

• Attendance and drop-off

• Client’s busy schedule, single mother, number of children

• Cultural barriers

• Clients could only attend once (potential programs)

• Family issues

• Child-minding (potential programs)

• Space

• Staffing

support services for women - ciwa-online.com · overview of support services for women in saskatoon...

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