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• 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)
Overview of Support Services for Women in Saskatoon
• 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)
Overview of Support Services for Women in Saskatoon
• 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
Saskatoon Open Door Society – Women’s Support Programs
• 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.
Saskatoon Open Door Society – Women’s Support Programs
• 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
Saskatoon Open Door Society – Women’s Support Programs
• 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.
Saskatoon Open Door Society – Women’s Support Programs
• One on One Support
• Clients receive support and guidance on personal issues
such as family, parenting and health concerns.
• Referral
• Support Services Upon Request
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