In this issue:

Police Apology RequestA family seeks

justice after raid page 3

Being RomaLife after a failed

refugee claim page 5

LINC Map of HamiltonEnglish classes around the city for newcomers

page 7

Injuries on the JobAre newcomer women treated fair on the job?

page 2

Why Living Wage should come to Hamilton

Connecting WomenConference promotes

holistic healthpage 8

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.Issue 15 • March & April 2012 • Published by the Immigrant Women’s Centre

MINDINGON SITE

Child

Gain professional service experience! Become the skilled worker employers are looking for!

Build confi dence on the phone and in person in our 12-week CLB 5 program.

For More Information & Registration Call: Mady at 905-529-5209 x 233.

Workplace Communications:A Bridge to Employment

The reality of people living in poverty while still working full-time is slowing dawning in the city of Hamilton. We used to be able to say to someone who wasn’t able to make ends meet, “get a job and you’ll be fine!” For many reasons, that equation no longer works.

Working at minimum wage jobs even full-time, full-year, is not enough to lift an individual over the poverty line in Ontario.

As usual, when we apply a gender lens to this reality, women are highly affected in a negative way. Accessing employment that will fit a schedule which includes taking care of children can be a challenge. Most jobs that offer this kind of flexibility are low wage positions in sectors that have traditionally paid minimum wage.

The Living Wage Working Group from the Roundtable for Poverty Reduction is becoming a leader in conversations with local businesses, not-for-profits, workers and the community. The 30,000 people who are working, yet living in poverty would greatly benefit if this community became a Living Wage city.

- Continued on page 4 -

“Working at minimum wage jobs even full time, full year, is not enough to lift an individual

over the poverty line in Ontario.”

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: MARCH 8!

‘Her fight is not over’

LUCENE CHARLES: THE VOICE OF ONE, THE VOICE OF MANY

By Maria Antelo

By Deirdre Pike

In recent weeks many people in Hamilton have been following the case of Lucene Charles, a 36-year-old single mother who is fighting to avoid a removal order and keep her family together.

Charles, originally from the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent, began raising awareness about her situation by telling her story in a video posted on YouTube. She soon gained attention from the media, and public support quickly followed. She has gone through “a mixed bag of emotions” throughout this process.

“It has been over four years that I have been fighting to be heard, to tell my story to Citizenship and Immigration...but I kept trying...for the way out, for the freedom and the peace. I knew what I was fighting for - my children’s future, to give them every tool to become successful young men and good citizens, and for me to remain safe.”

Lucene originally came to Canada to help care for the child of one of her

mother’s friends when she was 16. She later studied at Mohawk College and Seneca College. The Canada Border Services Agency has said she lacked work and student permits.

She married a Canadian man and had three children with him; boys now ages 11, 13 and 14. Patterns of domestic violence soon emerged, and he never bothered to sponsor her as a permanent resident of Canada.

They moved to Gambia where a one year stayed turned into seven. The abuse continued, and the couple eventually divorced. Lucene had another child, a girl now five, with her current partner.

She later returned to Canada and filed a Humanitarian and

Compassionate application, as well as a refugee claim, in hopes of staying in Canada. Both claims failed.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney refused to grant a stay to delay her removal. She was due to be removed from the country with her youngest child (the three older children were to stay in Canada) on February 20 – coincidentally, Family Day. But a federal court judge has declared a stay on the removal order pending a review of her case.

On February 17, three days before her scheduled removal, over 200 people gathered outside Hamilton’s Citizenship and Immigration office to show their support for Charles and her family. The group included MP David Christopherson, who spoke strongly in support of her case.

“The love of the hundreds of people that came out to the rally was a simile for what love is… The life of the beloved – that is what the experience felt like.”

- Continued on page 3 -

“It has been over four years that I have been fighting to be heard...”

SPECIAL REPORT

There is a consensus among academic researchers that newcomers face unstable employment and significant barriers to participating in the labour market. What is less understood and often overlooked is the experience of the women who successfully find work, but are injured on the job.

A study of the experiences of immigrant women who have faced work-related injuries was conducted in the Greater Toronto Area in 2011. The study also examined the accessibility of navigating Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

The study involved in-depth interviews with four immigrant women from Africa, South East Asia and South America. Two of the women encountered accidents while the other two experienced gradual injuries. The research revealed a disconnect between the daily struggles experienced by women and the policies and programs of the WSIB — originally created to promote health, safety and support for injured workers.

Each woman shared her experience of being injured on the job, and how her employer responded. The same story was shared each time. After a serious accident or injury, the worker was encouraged, and in some cases harassed, to return to work the day after a serious accident, even if she was very sick.

In one case, the accident involved a nine-kilo carton falling on the head of a woman in a factory. She explains, “[The] next day I couldn’t even get up; I couldn’t lift my head....because my head [was swollen]. And my kids

answer[ed] the phone, [the supervisor said] “Where is your mom? She is supposed to come; we send taxi...[to take her to work]...You have to wake her up and she come.”

The women reported that this practice does not give them the necessary time to recuperate from an accident or to make a recovery. Furthermore, the same participant shared that she was threatened by her manager. She was told that if she contacted the WSIB, he would challenge her complaint and she would have to go on social assistance.

After experiencing these injuries the women were not able to perform the requirements of their jobs. Two of the women were not given suitable work accommodat ions and were forced to leave work on their own. The other two were terminated by their employers.

All the women had to rely on Employment Insurance Benefits, Canada Pension Plan or social assistance because they could not obtain benefits from the WSIB. They experienced difficulty filling out WSIB claim application forms because of language barriers and the complexity of the application process.

Each of the four women had to seek the assistance of Legal Aid, injured workers’ advocacy groups or lawyers with their claim applications. It was only with this assistance that they were able to get WSIB benefits. One

participant received WSIB benefits six months after her application, another after two years, the third received partial benefits after two years while the fourth has been appealing her case for 25 years.

The research revealed how work-related injuries have resulted in immense social, emotional, financial and physical hardships for the women and their family members.

All four participants had to consult with at least five doctors each and were subjected to numerous medical tests to establish that their injuries were work- related.

They felt that their experiences with Health Care and WSIB staff were not pleasant. One woman explained, “They treat you like you are begging them, and then they treat you like you [are] nothing. After you are finished talking to them....

[you] feel like you are not human, . . . like you are a little cockroach. . . . [They said,] ‘They can’t spend money on you anymore because you never ever heal. You get disability; what else you want?’”

One of the women shared her feelings and thoughts:

“This country immigrant built. . . . I got no money. . . . I can’t sue company because the government is blocking me, Ontario government. Why? Because I am immigrant; I am nothing; I don’t deserve any money. . . I see how they

use the immigrant in the factory. . . How they treat people is not right.”

This brief summary of the experiences that these immigrant women encountered after suffering work related injuries shows that there is a need to provide awareness to new immigrants regarding their options and rights as injured workers.

Finally, one of the goals of the study is to awaken the need for the larger community to come together and advocate for injured workers. Injured workers need our support.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.2

How do you measure a city’s diversity? How do you rate successful inclusion? At the Immigrant Women’s Centre many women, men and their families pass through our door. We are privileged to work with inspirational, determined women that despite many challenges are driven to succeed in their new home, Hamilton. Yet a strong commitment to succeed isn’t always enough.

At the Immigrant Women’s Centre staff believe that successful settlement consists of two elements, a two ways street if you will. On one side are the determination, drive and optimism inside of an individual newcomer, and equally important, is the other side, an inclusive and welcoming community. Without both parts working together, a successful and inclusive city may not be achieved.

The Women’s Press plays an important role in bridging the individual and the community by raising awareness about settlement and integration supports and challenges.

In this issue, important elements of community are highlighted including working with one another through collaborative partnerships and working together to ensure all of our members earn a meaningful and sustainable

income. I encourage our readers to ask

themselves, what in our community demonstrates successful inclusion?

Cheers to Hamilton,

Ines Rios, Executive Director Immigrant Women’s Centre 8 Main Street East, Suite 101 Hamilton, ON (905) 529-5209

Please send feedback, press releases and submissions to: Michelle at 905-529-5209 x257 or mdrew@stjosephwomen.on.ca. View online at: www.

stjosephwomen.on.ca/womenspress.

Founded in 1988, the Immigrant Women’s Centre is an equality seeking, anti-racist, charitable organization dedicated to the social, political and economic inclusion of refugee and immigrant women in a just and supportive Canadian society. The Centre is committed to enabling refugee and immigrant women to discover and build their new futures through skills development and settlement support.

Letter from the Editor

Injuries on the job: newcomer women tell their storiesBy Mercedes Morro in partnership with the McMaster Community Poverty Initiative

“...there is a need to provide awareness to new immigrants

regarding their options and rights

as injured workers.”

LINC 6+

1. Why couldn’t the women return to work when their employers asked them to?

2. Who should you contact if you are injured at work?

For assistance in Hamilton: The Ontario Network of Injured

Workers’ Groups 310-500 Green Rd

Stoney Creek Ontario L8E 3M6

905-662-7128 oniwg@sympatico.ca

For more information on this study visit: http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/opendissertations/6729. For more info on events for workers’ rights visit: www.injuredworkersonline.org.

Leading & L E A R N I N GA Community Capacity-Building Workshop for Newcomer Women

Do you want to develop LEADERSHIP skills that will help you to achieve your GOALS? Learn how to use your settlement experience to become a leader in your COMMUNITY. Earn VOLUNTEER hours! LEARN about education, employment, healthcare, housing and more. JOIN Leading and Learning!

An 8 week workshop, 6 hours/week To register contact Brooke at 905-529-5209 x223.

December’s ‘Project Marvel’ police raids left Pamela Markland and her eight children traumatized, with no explanation and no front door.

Despite her suffering, Markland refuses to “stay silent and accept the injustice” that her family experienced.

On December 13, armed police entered her home at approximately 5:30 am, kicking in the door. Markland recalls that they threw a flash grenade at her and her 9-year-old autistic son, and pointed guns at and handcuffed her children, aged 8 to 21.

Markland and her family are not the only ones who have been affected by police raids in Hamilton.

Karen refugee, Po La Hay, suffered severe injuries after police broke into his home on May 4, 2010 in search of someone else. The same day, police raided the home of James Cowan and Seth Enriquez, who were both thrown

to the ground and threatened. After the victims stated they had just moved into the apartment four days prior, police sheepishly exited, according to Cowan.

In February 2011, the police responded to a noise complaint and shot dead 19-year-old Andreas Chinnery in his own home for reasons unknown.

Pamela Markland, her family, friends and supporters presented a letter to the Hamilton Police Services on February 4,

2012, addressed to Chief Glenn DeCaire. Aided by ‘Hamilton Cop Watch’, the 75 people in attendance presented four requests to police, including:

1) A public and formal apology to Pamela Markland and her children;2) A public and formal explanation for the raid on Pamela Markland’s former home; 3) No more violent police raids; 4) An end to all police terror and brutality in our city. For more information on these requests

made to the Hamilton police, visit www.hamiltoncopwatch.com.

LINC 4+

1. What are your experiences with police in Hamilton?

2. What were your experiences with police in your home country?

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.3

Family requests apology after Police raidRaid victims Pamela Markland and her children marched with supporters to present a letter to the Hamilton Police. Women’s Press

BECAUSE I AM BLACK AND POOR THEY BROKE DOWN MY DOOR BURNT MY FLOOR I CANT LIVE THERE ANYMORE I TURNED A BLIND EYE I DIDNT SAY S***NOW ME AND MY FAMILY ARE PAYING FOR IT NO APOLOGY, THATS WHAT THEY SAY OH YEAH?? ONE DAY THEY ARE GONNA PAY PEOPLE WHO KNOW ME KNOW I AM INNOCENT BUT THE RACISTS WELL,THEY SAY DIFFERENT I DONT CARE WHAT THEY SAY THE TRUTH WILL BE REVEALED ONE DAY - Pamela Markland

Despite her suffering, Markland refuses to “stay silent and

accept the injustice” that her family

experienced.

By Women’s Press Staff

- Continued from page 1 - Lucene became an exemplary

member of the community. She volunteered at the Immigrant Women’s Centre, the Henderson Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society. She was the guest speaker at the Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration volunteer awards. She became active at St Paul’s Anglican Church, and found meaningful employment as an administrative assistant at St. Joseph’s Healthcare. She currently serves on a survivor’s advisory committee at the Women Abuse Working Group.

In other words, Lucene belongs to

this community where she has found love from many friends, who have become a vital part of her support and her struggle. Over six thousand people signed a petition supporting her.

Like Lucene, there are many mothers without status in Canada. Mothers without status can be trapped in

abusive relationships, facing isolation, a lack of financial resources and little community support. When women without status become mothers, they may “put up” with these barriers to protect their children. These mothers are often subject to abuse, as their partners use the immigration status as a form of control.

Charles’ case may bring hope to women facing a similar situation.

Through her voice, story and courage, Lucene may inspire women to not feel alone, and let them know that help is there when you ask without fear. Women in abusive situations should tell

a friend, a neighbour or someone they trust about what is happening to them.

“Today my children and I and our home are feeling much ‘lighter’. We are so blessed, so grateful and have learnt so many lessons in this trial. We continue to pray for a successful end, to have the Permanent Residence status for me and my daughter, to live without fear of the unknown; the insatiability of living in limbo. To spread our wings, to get to hold each other every day…”

Lucene’s fight is not over. There are still hurdles to pass, but she is continuing to fight with help from her friends and supporters.

Lucene Charles (Cont’d)“Her case may bring hope to women facing a similar situation. Through her voice, story and courage, Lucene

may inspire women to not feel alone, and let them know that help is there when you ask without fear.“

“Like Lucene, there are many mothers

without legal status in this country.”

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.4

Written by Deirdre Pike and Graph by Sara Mayo, Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton

Working and still poor? It doesn’t add up!

Who Benefits from a Living Wage? BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS• Better employee attendance• Decreased turnover which lowers training costs• Increased morale, loyalty and productivity• Decreased in-house shoplifting• Recognition for responsible employers

BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY• Greater consumer purchasing power• Increased spending in local economy• Increased civic participation

BENEFITS FOR WORKERS• Receive fair compensation• Raised out of poverty• Better quality of life• Improved health• Opportunities for education/skills training

- Continued from page 1 -What is a living wage?

A living wage enables wage earners living in a household to:• Feed, clothe, provide shelter for their family• Promote healthy child development• Participate in activities that are an ordinary part of life in the community• Avoid the chronic stress of living in poverty

Minimum wage is not a living wage.Minimum wage a rate set by provincial

governments as the bare minimum workers must be paid, and does not reflect cost of living. The current rate of $10.25 an hour in Ontario is not enough to raise a single person working 40 hours per week out of poverty, never mind a family unit with more than one adult or including children.

A living wage is a rate determined by individual communities and voluntarily implemented by employers. A living wage is based on actual costs of living, so it reflects the income that people need in order to participate in their communities.

What is the poverty line?One of the most commonly used poverty lines is

Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). In 2010, the before tax LICO for large cities like Hamilton was just over $22,000 for a single person, $28,000 for a single parent with one child, and $42,000 for a family of four. In comparison, Hamilton’s median full-time employment income was almost $44,000 per worker in 2006, well above the poverty line and above Hamilton’s living wage.

Are benefits included in the Living Wage?The $14.95 calculation does not include any

employer paid medical and dental benefits. The living wage calculation allows for each household to purchase private medical and dental insurance. If an employer does pay for group employee health benefits, the living wage hourly rate would be lower. For a detailed explanation of how Hamilton’s living wage was calculated and what amounts were included in the budgets, please read the full calculation report available at: livingwagehamilton.ca.

Demographics of Hamilton’s full-time working poor population:

The above chart shows that women working full-time are slightly more likely to be living in poverty than full-time working men. Among full-time workers who are members of visible minority groups, the rate of poverty is 13%, compared to 7% for the city. Similarly, 12% of full-time workers who self-identify as Aboriginal are living in poverty. The fact that members of these groups are almost twice as likely to be living in poverty is evidence of the racialization of the labour market, and occurs even though racialized groups are better educated than their non-racialized peers. For example, 24% of Hamilton’s population who identify with a visible minority group have university education, compared to 16% of the city’s population overall.

For more information, please contact Deirdre Pike at 905-522-1148, ext. 302, or dpike@sprc.hamilton.on.ca. For more information about Hamilton’s new Living Wage Coalition, please visit: www.livingwagehamilton.ca. To read the full report visit sprc.hamilton.on.ca.

INCLUDED• Food• Shelter• Transportation• Utilities• Personal care• Household items• Extended health• Dental insurance• Continuing education

to upgrade skills• Childcare• Social activities

NOT INCLUDED• Household debt• Home ownership• Saving for children’s education• Saving for retirement

$14.95

Hamilton’s Living Wage:

What workers would do if they earned a

living wage

In Hamilton, living wage advocates have been asking low wage workers, “What difference

would earning a living wage make in your life?” Here are some of those responses:

“I wouldn’t need to go to the food bank anymore.”

“I’d be able to quit one of my 3 part-time jobs and go

back to school at night.”

“I’d be able to pay off my student loan.”

“...women working full-time are slightly more likely to be living in poverty than full-

time working men.”

Living on Ontario Works: Average Monthly Income: $950 from OW and $700 from Child Tax Benefits. “I receive a special food allowance for my rapidly growing teenage sons. I am looking for a stable, full time job that I can travel to by taking the bus. I have to budget very carefully. My children ask to participate in school and social events and I do not have money to allow them to join. I make meals and lunches at home to save money; this food is healthier for us. I can receive some benefits for medications, dental coverage or eyeglasses. “I cannot afford ‘wants’ for my children or myself.

“I am not financially prepared for an emergency and do not have enough money to cover our needed monthly expenses. Life is very stressful.”

Living on a Minimum Wage:Average Monthly Income: $1,537.50 plus Child Tax Benefits.

“I worked 37.5 hours a week and earned $10.25 an hour. I worked for a cleaning company; I cleaned offices and people’s homes. I had to budget carefully and I could not always pay my bills on time or make the full payment. I did not receive benefits at work. The doctor suggested I wear orthotic shoes to support my back when I was working. I did not see how I could afford shoes that are $300.

“I was not financially prepared for an emergency. I worked all week but it was still difficult to pay for all my expenses. I could not afford ‘wants’ and it was hard for my children to participate in school or social events.”

Living on a Living Wage:Average Monthly Income: $2,242.50 for working 37.5 hours a week for $14.95 an hour.

“My budget would be balanced and I would be able to cover our basic monthly expenses without stress. I could afford some of my children’s school expenses. I would be better able to participate in community events or allow my children to participate in sports, clubs or swimming lessons.

“I would have some ability to save for set goals or create an emergency fund for my family. “

Harpreet is a newcomer who has been in Canada for three years. She is raising her three children in Hamilton on her own. She was recently laid off from her job and her main source of income comes from social assistance. Currently Harpreet is improving her English LINC level, taking care of her family and looking for work. Harpreet shares her budget and lifestyle living on Ontario Works compared to working a minimum wage job. What would Harpreet’s budget and lifestyle be like working while earning a Living Wage?

Living on wages: a newcomer’s storyBy Kelly McKinney, Immigrant Women’s Centre

LINC 3+

1. Why is a living wage job important for Harpreet and her family?

Rent (Susidized) $574Utilities $162Groceries $6001 Adult Bus Pass $872 High School Bus Passes

$142

Internet and Phone $80Clothing (Seasonal)

$150

Household Needs $30

Total Expenses $1825Total Income $1650

Harpreet’s Basic Monthly Expenses

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.5

Being Roma in Central EuropeFROM SLOVAKIA TO HAMILTON AND BACK

In Hamilton, the apartment buildings Silvia and her family lived in were crawling with cockroaches. Not many Hamiltonians would call that “Heaven”, but for Gaziova, no other word could describe her relief.

After a three-year failed refugee claim, Gaziova and her family are back living in Lunik 9, one of Europe’s largest ethnic Roma ghettos, located in Kosice, Slovakia. Many Roma have fled Central and Eastern Europe in search of a new life, where they will not be treated differently because of their ethnicity.

To Silvia, her partner and three children, the life they found in Canada was a dream, packaged with heat, daily electricity, warm tap water, and a place where they were treated “like human beings”; things that are a memory to them now.

A group of four friends and neighbours of Silvia’s family went to visit her family in December 2011. They also went to learn more about the

situation for Roma in Slovakia, curious about why the Canadian government had denied their refugee claim.

One of them included Women’s Press staff, Michelle Drew. She notes, “The complexity of the problems we saw on our trip were shocking and overwhelming. The extensive systemic racism and government’s inability to address oppression was obvious, but the consequences of the rejection and isolation experienced for decades by this community was most alarming.”

Currently in Hamilton, there are other families who have fled Lunik 9 and are currently waiting to hear the results from their appeals. They are dreading their return to Lunik 9.

"Roma are the only people group, who, it seems, are not welcome anywhere they go," said Ines Rios, Executive Director at the Immigrant Women’s Centre, “For centuries, they have been pushed to the margins.”

Silvia Gaziova and her family came to Hamilton as refugee claimants three years ago. They are Roma people. The Canadian government did not give them refugee status. They send them back to Slovakia. Now they live in a ghetto called Lunik 9. They have many problems every day.

Silvia and her family were in Hamilton for three years. They loved it here. Their apartment was warm and dry. It had electricity and hot water. They were safe. They wanted to stay in Hamilton but the government said, “no”. Now they are in Slovakia again. Michelle Drew from the Women’s Press was her friend and neighbour. She visited Silvia in December 2011. Here are pictures from her trip.

Photo 1: 7,000 people live in a place built for 2,500. Photo 2: Rain comes through the ceiling. Black mould grows and is very bad for their health. In winter there is ice on the walls. Photo 3: The apartments are not safe. Many things are broken. Cockroaches, bed bugs and lice are a very big problem. Photo 4: Silvia tries to find a job.Without high school education, it is hard. With an address in Lunik 9, it is almost impossible. Photo 5: This is a Roma neighbourhood. They have a very hard life. Many people in Europe discriminate against them. They live behind walls. They want to live in a place like Canada.

1 23 4

5

For those learning English: LINC 1+

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.6

Board Members Wanted! The Immigrant Women’s Centre is seeking Board Members with interest in settlement and integration of immigrant women and their families. For more information visit www.iwchamilton.ca.

The YMCA Newcomer Youth Centre (NYC) is a friendly, urban place for Hamilton’s newcomer youth. As a part of the YMCA Immigrant Settlement Services, the NYC is dedicated to helping newcomer youth, ages 13-24, with their settlement needs. Services include: recreational activities, information about the community and immigration processes, and support in finding employment and volunteer opportunities.

The centre provides a space for youth to socialize with friends and staff, while smoothly transitioning into the community. “[All of] the staff are friendly and welcoming,” said Fartun Hussein, 15-year-old female from Somalia. She adds “Best youth centre in Hamilton!”

The Newcomer Youth Centre is equipped with a pool table, ping-pong table, foosball table, a PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, computers with internet access, games, movies, craft supplies and much more.

The youth centre also has weekly special events including: ping-pong table tournaments, FIFA 12 tournaments, movie nights, holiday parties and Girl’s Nights! Community trips are offered once a month allowing youth to experience new cultural activities within the Hamilton community. Past trips have included going to a farm, ice skating, bowling and mini golf.

Information sessions focused on employment, volunteering, and job searching. Other youth-related topics are also offered frequently at the NYC. Eligible youth are able to receive YMCA memberships and utilize the gym facilities through the NYC.

The Newcomer Youth Centre also offers many programs that take place in the community such as Homework Club, Soccer Program, Cooking Club and Volunteer Club.

Homework Club, offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm, gives youth the opportunity to work on their homework while receiving mentoring from McMaster University students.

Every Monday and Wednesday from 7-8:30pm NYC has a soccer program, allowing youth to practice their soccer skills and play games. Cooking Club takes place at the Community Kitchen in the Hamilton Farmer’s Market every other Thursday from 4-5:30pm. During this program youth learn and practise basic cooking skills.

The NYC also offers a volunteer club, providing the youth with the opportunity to volunteer with various community organizations. The staff is always able to provide information and referrals, allowing youth to connect with other community programs.

The NYC, on average, sees 100 visits a week. Since opening in December 2010, there has continued to be an increase in youth participation and program expansion. “I come to play FIFA 12 with my friends after school”, said Suleyman Yousefi, a 19-year-old male from Afghanistan. He is a frequent visitor of the centre.

The NYC gives youth who are new to Canada a safe and fun place to hang out, as well as learn essential skills. The Newcomer Youth Centre is open Monday to Friday 3pm-8pm and located on the lower level of the Hamilton Downtown YMCA, 79 James Street South.

All newcomer youth are welcome to come visit Hamilton’s only Newcomer Youth Centre. The NYC is a great place to be. Be sure to stop by and check it out! Call 905-529-7102 ext 5558 for more information.

Newcomer Youth Centre offers ‘fun and safe place’

“The NYC gives youth who are new to Canada a safe and fun place to hang out, as

well as learn essential skills.”

LINC 4+

1. What programs are offered at the YMCA Newcomer Youth Centre?

2. What skills can youth learn at the centre? Discussion: Why do you think youth centres are important? If you could start a youth program what would it be?

By YMCA Staff

Julian Fernandez, Karla Mariniz, Abdelrahman Ahmed, and Giselle Valle attend the YMCA’s Newcomer Youth Centre programs and drop-ins.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.7

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Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 11 • May & June 2011 • p.8

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.8

Connecting Women, Inspiring FuturesMIND, BODY, SPIRIT

In these busy times and in this economy we wonder how we can stay connected to what matters most, whether it is friends, family, or community. This is particularly true for women who are filling so many roles at the same time – caregiver, spouse, mother, daughter, sister and so on. At Hamilton Urban Core we found that a way to help women connect with each other is through our annual Mind, Body, Spirit Women’s Health and Wellness Conference. The Conference engages marginalized women across the city and provides an opportunity for women to focus on making vital connections.

On Wednesday March 7th we will gather again at the 9th Annual Mind, Body, Spirit: Women’s Health and Wellness Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Connecting Women, Inspiring Futures”. Hamilton Urban Core believes that bringing women together is a powerful way to encourage different and dynamic voices to be a part of the community conversation about issues that affect us all.

When women network and connect

they discover that each person opens the door to new thoughts and ideas, the potential for collaboration and many other opportunities to improve her own well-being. We also know that when women are well the whole community benefits and when women connect, the potential power of that connection is limitless.

This year Zanana Akande will join our Conference as our special guest speaker. Zanana is a former politician and the first black woman elected to

the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as well as cabinet minister in Canada. She is a tireless community supporter who has dedicated her skills and energy to many community organizations; she will be sharing her knowledge and experience with women during her dynamic Keynote address. Local experts from community agencies such as the YWCA, the Immigrant Women’s Centre and others will also be at the Conference providing information and sharing knowledge with women in interesting and interactive workshops.

If you would like to support women attending the 9th Annual Mind, Body, Spirit Women’s Health and Wellness Conference please call Carrie 905-522-3233 to find out how to sponsor this event.

“Hamilton Urban Core believes that bringing

women together is a powerful way to

encourage different and dynamic voices to be a part of the community

conversation about issues that affect us all.”

The Neighbours Friends and Families (NFF) is a province wide campaign to raise awareness about the warning signs of woman abuse. The campaign has been running for many years in mainstream and Aboriginal communities in the province. However, the campaign had not served immigrant, racialized, culturally-diverse or faith-based communities. With the support of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and the outstanding dedication of Alfredo Maroquin, NFF embarked on a new journey of inclusiveness giving birth to the NFF Diverse Communities Project.

Hamilton Urban Core became involved in the NFF Diverse Communities Project with an interest in the possibility of developing a project suitable to Hamilton’s needs. In 2009 Hamilton Urban Core took a leadership role in implementing the NFF Immigrant and Refugee Communities Hamilton Campaign with a specific focus on reaching out to immigrant and refugee communities in culturally appropriate ways. A Committee consisting of local community agencies such as the Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton, the Women’s Centre Interval House, Catholic Children’s Aid Society, Immigrant Women’s Centre, Good Shepherd Women’s Services and various community leaders representing

immigrant and refugee communities in Hamilton came together to determine how the NFF campaign could work in Hamilton.

To promote the NFF campaign effectively, NFF staff work collaboratively with community leaders who best understand their community’s needs. Each community has different experiences with woman abuse, and has its own unique features, risk factors and safety issues to be considered. We understand that women and their children face multiple barriers, in relation to their gender, culture, language, geographic location, class, ability, faith/spirituality, and immigration status when dealing with violence and accessing supports. As such, implementation of the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign must be rooted in the specific needs and assets of each community.

Without a doubt woman abuse is a serious social problem that crosses all

socio-demographic factors. The facts about woman abuse are alarming. Reports tell us that in Ontario 7% of women living in common-law or marital relationship reported experiencing physical and/or sexual assault by a spousal partner at least once during a five year period. The goal of the NFF Campaign is to provide culturally appropriate information and strategies for immigrant and refugee communities to know the warning signs of abuse, to support women who are impacted by abuse and to make the community a safe place for women.

We believe woman abuse is detrimental to health and preventable. It is an issue everyone in our community should and can prevent. Making others aware of the NFF Immigrant and Refugee Communities Hamilton Campaign is one place to start.

Urban Core program promotes abuse awareness

“Without a doubt woman abuse is a

serious social problem that crosses all socio-demographic factors.”

Neighbours, Friends and Families program targets immigrant, racialized and culturally-diverse communities at Urban Core. Women’s Press

Women participating in the Immigrant Women’s Centre’s Financial Literacy Course discussed their favourite fun, free, things to do in Hamilton. Here are some from their list.

Go to the Library Hamilton has 24 public libraries

and 37 bookmobile stops. Why spend money on books, computers, newspapers, CDs and DVDs when you can reserve materials and rent them for free from the library? Check out the services at the library near you and speak to a librarian about how you can get a library card.

Go to the ParkHamilton has over 394 park sites.

Go for a walk with a friend. Bring a soccer ball for some fun or take your children to the play ground. You can pack a picnic in summer or go skating down at Bayfront Park in winter. Remember to dress for the weather.

Visit an Ontario Early Years Centre with your children

At Ontario Early Year Centres parents and toddlers can drop in during the various centres’ hours, strengthening children’s development and health through interactive play. There are over 30 Early Years Centres throughout Hamilton. Contact 905-524-4884 for more information.

Go to the Community Kitchen at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday there are free cooking demonstrations for children and adults in the Community Kitchen located on the bottom level of the Hamilton Farmer’s Market downtown. The classes are a great way to learn about preparing healthy foods, cooking, baking and eating local.

The Kids in the Kitchen Program starts at 10am and the adult cooking program starts at 11am. Both programs are hosted by the City of Hamilton. They are drop-in programs and you do not have to register. Children be accompanied by an adult.

Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Free Friday Night

See the masterpieces at the AGH free on the first Friday of every month in 2012. Thanks to ORLICK Industries, Friday Free Night presents the opportunity for members of the public to enjoy Level One exhibitions at no charge.

Jamesville Community CentreAll programs at Jamesville are

hosted by people and organizations in the community and all of them are free. Located at 209 MacNab Street North, Jamesville Community Centre has programs including: badminton, Spanish lessons, aerial dance, craft and cooking groups, kids’ afterschool programs and more. Go to www.harrrp.ca/jamesville-programs/ to view the calendar of events.

If you have an idea for a fun, free activity to do in Hamilton please contact kmckinney@stjosephwomen.on.ca.

Fun free things to do in Hamilton

LINC 5+

1. What does Neighbours, Friends and Families raise awareness about?

2. Why is this topic important in all communities?

By Nadine Favics, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre

Discussion: How is women abuse related to health?

LINC 5+

1. What is the goal of this conference?

2. Who is Zanana Akande and what role did she play in Canadian history?

By Denise Brooks, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre

LINC 5+

Adjusting to a new culture, language and way of life comes with its challenges. Wesley Urban Ministries has been funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to ease the process of settlement for new refugees arriving in Hamilton. The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) and Client Support Services (CSS) are both coordinated by Wesley with the collaborative goal of providing essential supports for new refugees as they arrive in Hamilton.

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) aids new refugees immediately upon arrival in Canada. Ensuring their basic needs are met is a primary responsibility. These include: winter clothing, temporary accommodation housing, government

documentation and orientation sessions. Later comes permanent housing, school enrollment for children, English classes, and an understanding of Hamilton’s

transportation system. After initial needs are addressed, other individual and group needs are met.

Client Support Services Program

(CSS); is the second phase of the resettlement program. It is a unique mobile unit that supports clients for up to one-year after arriving in Canada. Workers provide various supports including accompanying newcomers on appointments or assessments. The primary goal is to help refugees become self-sufficient by offering support and referral.

Wesley Urban Ministries also hosts ‘The Welcome Circle’, which is an opportunity for the community to say hello to new neighbours.

Daljit Garry, Executive Director of Wesley Urban Ministries notes, “It is really a pleasure to see the smiling faces of our new neighbours as they begin their journey in a country where freedom and opportunity awaits them.”

Collaboration is very important to avoid duplication of services and to ensure ultimate success and eliminate any possible gaps in services. For this reason, Wesley Urban Ministries has partnered with the Immigrant Women’s Centre and Centre de Sante Communautaire, in order to serve francophone government-assisted refugees.

Various other programs at Wesley Urban Ministries provide an opportunity for our newcomers to seek additional services as they settle in their new home.

Government Assisted refugees are supported by Citizenship and Immigration Canada for the maximum

of 12 months or until they become self-sufficient, whichever comes first; after that they are on their own.

Wesley Urban Ministries has been serving the Greater Hamilton Ontario community since 1955; continually evolving to meet the changing needs of those we serve. We have strategically placed our Outreach Programs in neighbourhoods that have the highest populations living in poverty. We have also adapted our programs to the needs of the individuals and families that live in these neighbourhoods.

Wesley provides programs and service to all ages; from infants to seniors. Through our thirty programs, we serve homeless youth and adults, provide programs for children and teens, multi-cultural seniors, families and single mothers and government sponsored refugees. Our programs are designed to support and encourage independence in all those we serve by providing ‘a hand-up’.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.9

LINC 5+

1. Who are Wesley’s RAP and CSS program for?

2. Who else does Wesley offer programs for?

Discussion: Have you ever been to Wesley Urban Ministries? What did you enjoy about their services?

‘Don’t let the bed bugs bite’ What are bed bugs?Bed bugs are small insects with oval-shaped bodies and no wings. They usually come out and bite at night. It is possible for anyone, anywhere to experience a bed bug infestation, but they can be prevented and controlled.

How do I stop bed bugs from entering my home?Even the cleanest homes can get bed bugs, but regular inspection and cleaning can help you prevent an infestation. To prevent bed bugs from coming into your home you should: - Vacuum your mattress often- Clean up clutter- Seal cracks and crevices with caulking- Inspect used furniture and clothes before buying- Never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture or electronics into your home

- Inspect your luggage and its contents when you return from a trip- Have mattress and pillow bed bug protectors

How can I find bed bugs?Use a flashlight to look for bed bugs and their droppings or use a hot hair dryer or thin knife to force them out

of hiding spaces and cracks. Check in the seams of your mattress, inside your box spring and along your bed frame. Also look in cracks and crevices in and around your bed and check surrounding furniture and baseboards.

What does a bed bug bite feel and look like?Some people have no reaction at all. For others they can turn into itchy bite marks. Often bed bug bites appear in a group of three. They usually heal by themselves and don’t need treatment. Although bed bugs and their bites are a pain, they are not known to spread disease to humans.

What can I do if I have bed bugs?If you find bed bugs, talk to your landlord, building manager, or local Public Health Unit. If you own your own house you must call a pest control

professional yourself. You should also:- Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, baseboards and anything else around your bed every day- Wash your clothing, bed sheets, blankets, mattress pads and pillows in hot water and dry them on high heat for 30 minutes- Remove unnecessary clutter- Repair or remove peeling wallpaper- Tighten loose light switch covers- Seal openings where pipes, wires or other utilities come into your house- Carefully bag, label, and dispose of infested items that can’t be cleaned.

Myth 1: You can’t see Bed Bugs. FACT: It’s easy to spot adult bed bugs. They’re about the size and shape of an apple seed and a reddish brown colour.

Myth 2: You can get rid of Bed Bugs by throwing out your bed.FACT: They’re called bed bugs but they don’t just live in your bed. They can live in almost any dark crack or crevice in your home.

Myth 3: Only people who are dirty and untidy get bedbugs. FACT: Bed bugs in your home doesn’t mean you are not clean. Even the cleanest homes and hotels can get bed bugs. Bed bugs are attracted to people by body heat and carbon dioxide (from breathing). In short, bed bugs can affect anyone.

Myth 4: Banning pesticides like DDT have caused a re-emergence of bed bugs. FACT: Banning pesticides did not cause the re-emergence of bed bugs. More careful, and targeted pesticide uses, along with pesticide resistance, increased global travel, and lack of knowledge about the control of bed bugs have all likely played a role in the re-emergence.

Myth 5: If you haven’t been bitten lately, the bed bugs must be gone.FACT: Bed bugs can survive up to six months on a single blood meal. They can hide in small cracks and crevices for long periods of time but still reemerge later.

Settling new neighbours at Wesley ‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF REFUGEES’

By Jacqueline Roth, Wesley Urban Ministries

“The primary goal is to help refugees

become self-sufficient by offering support

and referral.”

Information Source: Toronto Public Health

“Even the cleanest homes can get bed bugs, but regular

inspection and cleaning can help you prevent an

infestation.”

LINC 4+

1. What can you do to prevent bed bugs?

2. What do you do if you find a bed bug in your house?

Wesley’s dynamic team includes (L to R) Rita, Kelly and Orsida, Client Support Services Staff.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.10

ONES TO WATCH FORMarina Nemat’s memoir,

“Prisoner of Tehran” is a brave and moving account of her experience as a teenager unjustly imprisoned in Iran. It is an incredible story of survival and a reminder of the power of one woman’s voice.

Nemat was a 16 year old Christian living in Tehran at the time of Ayatollah Khomeini’s Islamic regime. The government-imposed restrictions stifled the ordinary desires of teenagers like her. Make-up and dancing was deemed “satanic” and, therefore, illegal. Holding a boy’s hand in public could be punished by getting lashed. Western novels were evidence of “activities against the government”. Nemat writes about how normal pleasures - wearing a beautiful dress to a party, meeting friends, and reading her favourite books - became overshadowed by increasing oppression. Teachers in her school were replaced by young, fanatical followers of Khomeini who turned lessons into propaganda-filled lectures. Inadvertently, Nemat sparked a small student strike when she asked her teacher to teach calculus in a calculus class.

In 1982 she was arrested, and spent two years in the notorious

Evin prison, a place whose name, “brought fear to every heart. It equalled torture and death.” She writes with honesty of her torture, her friend’s struggles with sanity, and the bleakness of their circumstances. The intense emotions of a teenager are laid bare: grief at the executions of friends and fellow prisoners, fear as she lived at the mercy of the guards, and always the hope of freedom.

Amazingly, she was spared her execution at the last moment because of the intervention of a guard, Ali, whose family had strong political influence. Forced to convert to Islam and marry him, Nemat was released from jail but entered another prison outside the walls of Evin – that of silence. After Ali was assassinated and she rejoined her family, she found they didn’t want to speak about her imprisonment.

She began to build a new life, and tried to forget the past.

Twenty years later, after settling with her husband, Andre, and their children in Canada, suddenly her, “memories became words and broke free from their hibernation.” Compelled to tell her story, Nemat bears witness to the human rights atrocities she faced, lending a voice to all those political prisoners who remain voiceless. “Prisoner of Tehran” does not attempt to simply condemn those who made Nemat and her friends and family suffer so much. Instead, she writes plainly of the many paradoxes of her life, and illuminates history from her point of view.

“Prisoner of Tehran” was recently selected as one of the top 5 finalists in CBC’s Canada Reads which, for the first time, featured works of non-fiction. Championed by Arlene Dickenson (Dragon’s Den), it generated moving debate among the panellists. Currently it sits in the top 10 on the Globe and Mail’s Best Seller list. This spring, “Prisoner of Tehran – the Play” will open in Toronto. Nemat has now released a follow-up memoir, “After Tehran: A Life Reclaimed.”

READ: Prisoner of TehranAuthor: Marina Nemat Review by: Audrey Beaulne

“It is an incredible story of survival and a reminder of the power of one woman’s voice.”

Books & movies with a social justice and women focus | LINC 6+

Watch: UnashamedProducer: Samaritan’s Purse Canada and Listen Up TVReview by: Cait MacLennan Penman

“Love us and we’ll change”. That is the profound message of Unashamed, a documentary produced by Samaritan’s Purse. Filmed in the heart of Addis Ababa, the documentary follows the story of Cherry and her work to help women trapped in the cycle of prostitution and sex trafficking. Ethiopian Women At Risk (E-WAR) offers women the possibility of a new life. Founded on principles of grace and rooted in local reality, E-WAR provides care, nurturing and practical skills training for women and their children trying to escape the sex trade. Unashamed highlights the stories of three women at different stages of their journey with E-WAR and provides a real, raw look at the barriers that these women must overcome. Sara is one of these women. Filmmakers Rikki Ratliff and Moussa Faddoul capture the emotion and heart of the women

like Sara and present a hopeful, yet sobering look at the obstacles that these women face to find freedom.

Without offering solutions, Unashamed follows the story of the women themselves as they learn new trades and experience the challenges of their transition. Cherry, the founder of E-WAR, and the women themselves, are the true heroes of this film. Burdened by her knowledge of the sex trade in Addis

Ababa and filled with longing to know and love these women, Cherry started and grew this organization.

At E-WAR women find acceptance, family and a place to belong. The program has been so successful that there are pilot projects happening in nine other African countries.

Love is the real message of Unashamed. Cherry’s love for the women she saw on the street birthed an organization that has helped hundreds of women and their families regain their lives.

Despite the hopeful message, Unashamed is not all joyful. Each session hundreds of women are turned away from the program due to over-capacity.

We need more people like Cherry in the world to offer hope in broken situations.

“Cherry’s love...birthed an

organization that has helped hundreds of women and their

families regain their lives.”

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.11

What women (& one man) are talking about...

Arrival Experiences: What surprised you about Canada?Here’s what people attending the Orientation workshop at the

Immigrant Women’s Centre had to say [some have been translated]:

Anwar Karaki“I feel safe here with my family. It’s

not easy to find jobs here. Back home I have a master’s in accounting and am a licesened scuba diving instructor. Renting a house is very expensive. I have four children so most apartments are too small. I like life here. At school, my children are very happy. I want my son to go to university because he wants to study pharmacy.”

Manal Naeimah“I was surprised to find out the

government and everyone takes good care of people with disabilities. Here on the bus people in wheelchairs can ride. In Iraq, we don’t have this. Here the hospitals, dentists, agencies, organizations are all very organized. Here everyone stands in a line and waits.”

Abdul Jabbar “When I came to Canada I thought it was safer here because we have war at home. I was sure someone would care for me because I’m disabled. Many organizations here work together and arranged for me to have a wheelchair that is designed for me.”

Nermin Gayed“The weather is very different

from my country, that surprised me. It is freezing. I like Canadians because they respect the rules, like traffic rules and in offices people respect each other. It’s very different in my country. Hamilton is very calm. It’s also cheaper than other places I’ve been in Canada, like Montreal.”

Laila Hanna“I like that people in Canada respect

seniors, even the children do. It’s better than back home. The groceries are affordable. Apples, bananas, meat and health food are cheaper. The Canadian medical system is much better than in Egypt. Family doctors can address problems more efficiently by giving referrals to specialists.”

Hadeel Ahmed“I didn’t think life in Canada

would be better. I was surprised that they accepted my sister, who has serious health problems. They care for her. In Syria, the government said they were trying to help her but it was useless. Here there are more options for education. Everyone has the right to study no matter what age. There are also more choices for what you want to study.”

Zakia Semeralul“Before I came here I thought there

would be a lot of jobs in Canada. It’s hard because we came with diplomas, degrees, and education but there are not enough jobs. People told us there would be employment, a good future, and a good life. The longer we stay here, hopefully there will be more opportunities for jobs. It takes years.”

Taymaa Mustafa“In general people here are very

kind and try to help. I thought I would be able to work sooner than I am. It’s hard to get a job. One of my sons finished University in Egypt for Dental. He wants to equalize his qualifications here. He is still trying to find a job. He has registered to volunteer, to get Canadian experience. Employers want Canadian experience so we are getting it by volunteering.”

English: LINC classes start January (Main, Rebecca, Mountain) Workplace Communication & Telephone Skills: Bridge to Employment. Obtain practical customer service experience! Program for CLB 5 only. Monday - Friday 9am -12pm (Main)

Information Sessions

Main Site: March 15 1pm to 3pm | Visitors Visas and Letters of InvitationMarch 27 1 to 3pm | Looking for a Job in Hamilton April 11 10am to 12noon | The Education System in CanadaApril 17 10am to noon | Dental Health for the FamilyApril 24 10am to 12noon | CIC Services (Sponsorship)Mountain Site: March 14th 10am to noon | Looking for job in HamiltonMarch 27 9:30am to 11:30am | Know Your RightsApril 2 9:30am to 11:am | Ontario Works InformationApril 23 9:30am to 11:30am | Police-Safety and FraudRebecca Site: March 14 2 to 3pm | Connect Hearing Session March 21 2 to 3pm | CIC Info Session April 10 2 to 3pm | Domestic Violence and Criminal CodeApril 19 2 to 3pm | Cultural Awareness & Settlement

Job Search Workshops

Prepare for the Citizenship Test!

The Job Search Workshops (JSW) program is a three or four day workshop that will give you the job search tools that will help you succeed in the Canadian job market. The program runs Monday to Friday, 9am - 12pm. March 6 - 9 (Module 1 - Barton) | March 13 - 16 (Module 2 - Fennell) March 20 – 23 (Module 2 - Barton) | April 10 - 13 (Module 1) April 24 - 27 (Module 2 - Rebecca) | May 8 - 11 (Module 1) May 22 - 25 (Module 2)

Every second Monday and Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm (Barton)Every third Monday & Tuesday from 2-4pm (Main)Every fourth Monday & Tuesday 10am-12pm (Mountain)

MAIN SITE8 Main St E Suite 101

905-529-5209

MOUNTAIN SITE1119 Fennell Ave E #236

905-387-1100

REBECCA SITE 182 Rebecca St

905-525-9676

BARTON SITE2255 Barton St E 905-573-7663

MONTCALM SITE45 Montcalm Dr #43 905-388-5048

TIME WELL SPENTJoin us at the Immigrant

Women’s Centre! On-site childminding with all

daytime programs.

Learn, work, grow.

Computer Classes

Basic Computer & Internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint: March 8 - 23 | April 12 - 27 | May 10 - 25 (Main) More Computer Classes: Call sites for more information, dates, and registration (Rebecca, Mountain).

Improve Your Language Skills!

Hamilton Orientation

Attend a six week orientation for all newcomers. Learn about housing and employment rights and responsibilities. Contact Brooke for more info and upcoming workshops at 905-529-5209 x223. Language specific interpretation is available in Somali, Arabic, Amharic, Spanish and Urdu.

Skills for Work & Life

Prepare for your G1 Driver’s License! Learn the rules of the road. First Aid & CPR Certification: Earn Canadian Red Cross certification. Get training to act on, prevent and manage life’s emergencies! Call Main, Mountain or Rebecca for more information.

LINC 3+

New to Canada? We can help! We provide assistance with housing, healthcare, the labour market, education, and language training.

We provide counselling for forms and immigration matters, trauma support, career and employment, community referrals and more.

Services are available in: Arabic, Assyrian, Bengali, Bosnian, Cambodian, Cantonese, Croatian, English, Hindi, Karen, Kiswahili, Kurdish, Malay, Mandarin, Nubian, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Somali, Spanish, and Urdu.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

DOWNTOWN HAMILTON8 Main St. E. Suite 101Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8

P: 905-529-5209F: 905-521-0541

HAMILTON MOUNTAIN1119 Fennell Ave. E. #236(Fennell & Upper Ottawa)

P: 905-387-1100

HAMILTON NORTH 182 Rebecca St.

(Rebecca & Ferguson)P: 905-525-9676

EAST HAMILTON2255 Barton Street East

(Barton & Nash)P: 905-573-7663

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 15 • Mar. & Apr. 2012 • p.12

Skills for Work & LifeDriving, Computer and First Aid Training

Prepare for your Driver’s License! • Training for G1 Driver’s License• Learn the rules of the road• Build confidence and independence• Sessions begin bimonthly

Improve your computer skills!• Windows XP• Internet & Email• MS Word, MS Excel & MS Publisher • PowerPoint• Typing

First Aid & CPR Certification! • Get training to act on, prevent and manage life’s emergencies• Receive Canadian Red Cross certification in a safe environment

Three convenient locations | Childminding on site

HAMILTON DOWNTOWN 8 Main St E Suite 101

Call Mady at 905-529-5209

HAMILTON MOUNTAIN1119 Fennell Ave E #236

Call Silvia at 905-387-1100

DOWNTOWN EAST 182 Rebecca St

Call Joyce at 905-525-9676

The IWC is committed to empowering newcomer women to build their new futures through skills development and settlement support.

Monday to Thursday, 6 to 8pm 8 Main Street East, 3rd Floor, Hamilton Prepare for COLLEGE or university. Gain WORKPLACE English skills. Learn about JOB searching, BUSINESS writing, TELEPHONE skills and more.

Main Site: Call Mady at 905-529-5209 x233.

Prepare for the workplace!Gain skills for College or University!

LINC 6/7E V E N I N G C L A S S