Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
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Record #: OCR2162 Last Modified: 14 Mar 2013 Last Full Update: 13 Aug 2012
Address, Telephone, E-mail, Website
Address959 Wellington St W
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X5
 
Google Map
IntersectionParkdale Ave and Wellington St W
Located In CommunityOttawa
Bus Route NotesOC Transpo OC Travel Planner or OC Bus Schedules
ParkingFree occasional parking on the street
AccessibilityFully Accessible
Office Phone613-725-0202
Fax613-725-9054
E-mailinfo@ociso.org
Websitewww.ociso.org
Description and Services
HoursMon-Fri 9 am-5 pm * evening appointments
DatesYear-round
DescriptionCommunity services centre for immigrants * Assists newcomers, refugees and ethno-cultural groups to become equal participants in the social, economic and political life of Canada. 
 
Settlement Program (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program): Contact Martine Bresee, Settlement Intake Counsellor, 613-725-5671 ext 316 mbresee@ociso.org 
Services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community * individual agencies may provide needs and eligibility assessments, pre- and post-arrival information and referral, job search and employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement services * includes Settlement Workers in Schools program 
 
The Multicultural Liaison Program: Contact Marie-Therese Libot, MLO Program Coordinator 613-725-5671 ext 353 
* Addresses the needs of children and youth from immigrant communities, racial and ethno-cultural minorities through a team of Multicultural Liaison Officers (MLO) working in partnership with the three public boards of education in the City of Ottawa. * liaison between families and community services 
 
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC): Contact Ron Lavoie, Manager, or reception at 613-249-9634 or 613-741-1368 
* Full-time and part-time English language training for newcomers * open to all landed immigrants and convention refugees * child minding is available * classes are offered in the South (1800 Bank Street) and East (940 Belfast Street) regions of Ottawa * daytime and evening classes are available 
 
Immigrant Women's program: Contact Bertha Mo, 613-725-5671 ext 337, bmo@ociso.org 
* Free basic computer training * assists settlement integration through group activities * workshops * self-help and support groups * guidance and support for immigrant women seeking employment in Canada 
 
Counselling Program: For additional information contact Bertha Mo, Manager, 613-725-5671 ext 337, bmo@ociso.org. To make an appointment, please contact Carmen Gloria Urbina, curbina@ociso.org 
* Equipped to provide psychotherapy services to the immigrant and refugee population in Ottawa * psychotherapy for clients suffering from migration and culture-related issues * specialized assistance to survivors of war trauma, political persecution, imprisonment and torture. Services available in languages other than English and French. Clinical supervisor and counsellors available for consultations and specific trainings. 
 
Immigrant and Refugee Youth Counselling Project: Contact: Bertha Mo, 613-725-5671 ext 337 bmo@ociso.org 
* Provides counselling intervention for immigrant and refugee youth through support groups * support healthy self-esteem, self-confidence, and identity development * ease transitions * increase youth engagement, sense of belonging, and connectedness * encourages and help foster development and realization of full potential 
 
Inter Amicos: Contact Nasir Tarafder, Program Coordinator, 613-725-5671 ext 330  
* A group of five refugee private sponsorship programs 
 
Community Development Program: Contact Wali Farah, 613-725-5671 ext 309, wfarah@ociso.org 
* Assists groups to plan and manage their participation in the Ottawa community * conducts needs assessment * provides community groups with program development and implementation support * cooperates with partners and other service organizations to improve services to new Canadians * helps with grants, proposals, incorporation, and other organizational support * identifies and strengthen new Canadian community leaders * promotes civic engagement 
 
Career Mentoring program Contact Leslie Emory, Program Coordinator, 613-725-5671 ext 312, lemory@ociso.org 
* Supports internationally trained professionals to obtain employment in their profession by matching them in a mentoring relationship with Canadians currently employed in the same field or similar field. * Mentors support mentees to understand profession specific requirements, develop an employment research plan, understand Canadian working culture, develop professional networks and ultimately secure employment commensurate with their education and experience. 
 
Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program) -- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks * trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development 
 
Volunteer Program: Contact Omaima Faris, Volunteer Coordinator, 613-725-0202 ext 333 
* Volunteer opportunities include: receptionist * tutor assistance for children and adults * interpreter/ translator * social conversation group facilitator * income tax assistance * fundraising committee and special event assistance * office support * LINC (East, South) conversation groups and tutoring
Waiting ListYes, length varies according to program
EligibilityNewcomers, refugees and immigrants.
ApplicationCall contact person for each program
FeesService - Translation services and cross-cultural training workshops are available on a cost-recovery basis.
Languages of ServiceEnglish ; French ; Interpretive Services ; Cantonese ; Creole ; Dari ; Farsi ; Kinyarwanda ; Kirundi ; Somali ; Spanish ; Swahili ; Vietnamese ; Varies per program
Areas ServedOttawa (City of)
Contact Information
Primary ContactMartine Bresee, Settlement Intake Counsellor; Phone: 613-725-5671 ext 316; Email: mbresee@ociso.org
Primary ExecutiveElwira Felczak; Phone: 613-725-5671 ext 325
Subjects
SubjectsCharitable status ; Children ; Counselling ; Cultural communities ; Employment ; English as a second language ; Friendship services ; Immigrants ; Income tax clinics ; Information and referral ; Interpretation ; Job search training ; Legal aid ; Legal information ; Multiculturalism ; Nonprofit organizations ; Orientation ; Race relations ; Reception ; Refugees ; Settlement services ; Torture ; Translation ; Tutoring ; Visible minorities ; Vocational counselling ; Women
Service Categories - Blue BookCitizenship, Multicultural and Immigrant Services, Language Services
Broader TermsAge groups ; Counselling ; Education ; Educational programs ; Family support ; Financial services ; Human rights ; Immigration ; Instructional programs ; Language instruction ; Legal services ; Organizations