Our Mission & Vision

Our vision is a society that honours the strengths of diverse women and empowers their contributions.

Our mission is to deliver accessible, inclusive, low-barrier programs for immigrant and refugee women and their children that create a sense of belonging, meaningful participation and leadership.

What We Do 

PIRS has over 48 years of experience working with immigrant and refugee women in the Greater Vancouver area, and a strong track record of delivering high-impact programs. We support a diverse population of women and children, including single immigrant and refugee mothers, women fleeing violence, women with disabilities, and women with mental and/or physical health conditions. 

Our Programs 

Our programs and services are low-barrier, accessible, and trauma-informed  without fees to best support immigrant and refugee women and their children. Across all programs, PIRS utilizes a decentralized and collaborative delivery model, allowing us to be flexible and responsive to emergent and diverse needs of the women and children we serve. Currently, our programs include:  

• Community English Classes with individualized support tailored to participants' needs;
• Children and Family Programs that improve access and understanding about life and parenting in the Canadian context;
• Women's Leadership and Development Programs that support women’s personal and career development;
• Pathways to Childcare Careers is ideal for newcomer women interested in entering the early learning and childcare field;
• Research and Special Projects are designed to address the community’s needs, as they emerge and evolve

Special Appeal

• Winter Warmth, our ambitious goal is to raise $55,000, crucial funds that will enable us to continue providing trauma-informed English classes
• Afghan Women Fund, to increase the capacity of our outreach support team and to set up relief kits, including access to food, clothing, and other basic needs
• Ukraine Women Fund, to help those who have been displaced by the invasion of Ukraine

Please feel free to contact Mariam Bouchoutrouch, our Executive Director: mbouchoutrouch@pirs.bc.ca or Tel: 604-298-5888 ext. 804.