IWF SEWING PROJECT

GALLERY, AN EMPLOYER’S

PERSPECTIVE ON WORKING

WITH FOCUS 4

NEW YOUTH PROGRAMS,

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY-

ONE, HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY 3

PHOTOS AND STORIES

FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING, FOCUS IN THE

COMMUNITY AND ONLINE 2

A word from the Board President...

On behalf of the Board of Directors I

would like to thank all the staff at FEW

for its dedication, professionalism and

hard work. Navigating major changes

in the funding requirements and

organizational adjustments, the staff

proved to be extremely supportive,

understanding and posi t ively

challenged by the change. Starting

with the big physical move and

continuing over the months with new

additions of personnel and programs,

we have accelerated our services

and what we provide.

The people working at Focus have

created an amazingly welcoming

environment for their clients and

volunteers. We have provided

resource support and materials for

different strategic actions and have

welcomed everyone with a smile and

an open hand. Way to go Focus! We

continue to be a pillar of support for

immigrant women in our community.

This year has just flown by - it has been an absolutely amazing year!

At Focus for Ethnic Women, we are now implementing the changes we had dreamed and talked

about in the past. The transformation is visible from each aspect of our agency. As a new provider

of Employment Ontario service delivery, we were impacted and called to take a new look at each

program we delivered. This became a great opportunity to analyze and develop logic models for all

projects. What we accomplished at the end of this

exercise was a core model of our organization (shown at right).

The results were a revelation, yet not a surprise.

Confidence was the main thread through all of our programs. Each program Focus for Ethnic Women

provides gives confidence to each immigrant woman; it is the essence of what we do. Our vision is simple - that

we meet and respond to immigrant women’s needs.

We are fortunate to have new funders, Status of Women

Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Ontario behind

us, to welcome immigrant youth to our agency. We have

been rapidly welcoming this change with the new Youth Opportunities Program, The Colour of My

Lenses. We applied for the grant in February 2011 and by June we had the program up and

running. It is amazing to see this program blossom in such a short span of time.

Diversification has also occurred in our other programs and services. Our industrial sewing

program now involves an alterations component, giving women the chance to take their skills

further. The launch will take place on September 21st, in collaboration with the United Way`s Day

of Caring. The first 20 people will get complimentary alteration services. Technology has also been

a focus area. The technological gap between the skills of the immigrant population and the working

world is increasing. To support immigrant women overcome this, the management made sure that

we were equipped increasing the computer capacity from 8 to 19 and offering the latest MS

software.

Thus, we continue as an agency to put our transformations into actions that continue to service our

increasing client base. We welcome you to be part of this change; to visit,

to support and celebrate with us in this new, exciting year.

IMMIGRANT WOMEN AND

VOICE CELEBRATES THEIR FIRST

YEAR, SKILLS UNLIMITED

CONTINUES TO GROW 5

LEARN HOW YOU CAN BE

INVOLVED IN OUR WORK AND

PROGRAMS OR SUPPORT

WHAT WE DO 6

Visit www.few.on.ca

ISSUE 8 2011 FALL

focus Focus n

Opening a world of opportunities for immigrant and

visible minority women.

From the Executive Director’s desk...

Olga George-Cosh Executive Director

Marilena Benak

President of the Board

Ari Education Award Recipient Gives Back One woman’s story supported by Focus for Ethnic Women in her own words.

I would like to take this opportunity to

thank very much Focus for Ethnic

Women and the Committee of Education

and Training for granting me this Award. I

really appreciate your concern about a

better education of immigrant and visible

minority women who experience multiple

barriers in their education.

I found out about Focus for Ethnic Women

through the YMCA and joined it in

September 2010 by doing Computer

training and by participating in Immigrant

Women and Voice Program which helped me to set my education goals. Also I gained

more knowledge about leadership, the Canadian workplace and the importance of

involvement in the community.

When I came to Canada last year, I didn’t have friends but through this program my

networking has increased by meeting with various speakers, my colleagues (in the

program), and also by my placement in my community as a volunteer.

I like the Focus for Ethnic Women culture. All who have participated in its programs are

always considered as its members. Whenever there is an event, any interesting

information or need advice, you are always helped and welcomed.

Personally as a newcomer to Canada and an immigrant woman, I am very grateful for

what Focus did for me. It motivated me to get out of my house and to explore my

community which I needed to know Canada better and gain some experience.

This award is very meaningful to me; it will help me to realize one of the steps of

becoming a nurse which is to get a PSW certificate. I

believe with your continual support my dream of

becoming a Nurse and helping people will one day

come true.

Thank you very much for your support

Charlotte

First

Impressions of Focus ...

Everyone was smiling when I first came in and gave me such a warm invitation it took me by surprise! Better yet I

found that every time I walked in I received a

warm and kind welcome that was always genuine! Thank you so very much!

This organization itself is

very positive and powerful for all women who are lucky to find

out...really fortunate to be part of Focus.

A very warm environment

2

Did you visit us at the Multicultural Festival this year? Thank you to Canadian Tire for the generous donation

of the sun shelter.

Updates

Sushma Syngal, a long time supporter and her friends celebrate at the Focus on Friends Fundraiser.

Panthea Sepehrband and Maria Dolores Hernandez were recognized for their contributions.

Executive Director, Olga George-Cosh, Program Coordinator, Maja Veletanlic and Programs

Manager, Elpida Pashartis celebrate the launch of the Colour of My Lenses Youth Program, funded by

Citizenship and Immigration Ontario.

Board Members contribute greatly to our organization and are posed together here, at the Clay and Glass

Gallery for this year’s Annual General Meeting.

We’re on the web! Visit our new

website or find out what’s new on

our Facebook page.

Participants from the first year of the Immigrant Women and Voice Program celebrate their

accomplishments together.

High School Workshops

to Develop Immigrant

Youth into Leaders Starting this fall, FEW will be introducing

a youth program in four high schools

across Kitchener and Waterloo. As an

extension of the Immigrant Women

and Voice Program, the youth

program funded by Status of Women

Canada will bring empowerment and

leadership workshops to interested

students.

“It is about creating and sharing

positive space with similar individuals.

Visible minority and immigrant youth have similar difficulties

and these workshops will bring these young women

together,” says youth facilitator and coordinator Janice Lee.

Workshops will be highly engaging, bringing about discussion

on women leaders, leadership styles, multiculturalism and

community involvement to name a few.

Programs will start in September at Eastwood

Collegiate Institute Waterloo Collegiate

Institute and Forest Heights Collegiate Institute.

Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute will be

host to the program in February.

“The students I have met are full of life and are

ready to flourish, this gives them the space and

encouragement.” Janice expressed. The

program will be held during lunch breaks or after school,

and counts towards community service hours.

Skills and Empowerment Youth

Opportunity Launched This

Summer Conversation, laughter and thought are all things

you find among this small but engaged group of

young women, currently participating in The

Colour of My Lenses Youth Opportunities Program,

funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and

Immigration.

Each Tuesday and Thursday, the group meets with

project coordinator Maja Veletanlic. Lately they’ve been

assessing their skills, career awareness, and other special

topics. “The curriculum has been developed in part by what

interests the group” says Maja.

On August 16th, the group will shift gears and get hands on

computer, photography and photo-editing

experience. Photographer and graphic designer

Crestina Martins will be guiding them through,

using photography as a medium of showing their

journeys as immigrant women. “The program is a

perfect way for them to find out new skills, passions

and community resources they haven’t heard of

before,” Maja adds.

The second group is currently open for registration

and will begin on November 1st. If you’re between the ages of

16 and 24 not currently in school, this free program could be

perfect for you.

Register for either

program and check

out more @

www.few.on.ca

A s a newcomer and a new mother, Caroline Archibald looked for something for her in the community. Since March, Caroline and

her son have been going every week to the Early Years Centre where her son can play and be looked after while she attends sessions through the Healthy Lifestyles Program. “I didn’t know anyone there at first” she reflects, but soon found it was an environment she grew to love. “I have made friends from many countries here, I haven’t had this chance before.” Originally from Bangalore, she enjoys the community, noting that it has been great having this program so close to home. “The drop-in sessions create a common ground.” Caroline explains, “we all have children, and all go through the same thing as parents, no matter which country we’re from. These sessions become a forum to ask questions and brainstorm. There are so many different perspectives.” With the different conversations and unique topics, guest speakers and activities, Caroline says it is a continual learning experience.

Caroline looks forward to Wednesdays, when her son can play and mom gets “a little “me” time”. “I love it. Everyone comes together and helps each other out, especially those who are improving their English. Agnes (the group facilitator) always checks in and personally talks to you, she’s so encouraging.” She hopes to meet more people through this program. “There are always new faces, new families are very welcome.” The Healthy Lifestyles program operates in 8 locations, funded by The United Way of Kitchener Waterloo Region throughout neighbourhoods in Kitchener and Waterloo. Everyday of the week a program is held, bring your family and join in!

Finding Support in the

Neighbourhood Healthy Lifestyles participant Caroline Archibald finds common ground and a little “me” time

“Being a part of Focus helps me network with other parents and share different experiences of different countries. It is a place where I can relax and there are always wonderful topics being discussed.”

Did you know? Computer Training classes happen each Saturday for 12 weeks. Spaces are limited!

4

A few short weeks ago, Claudia Lopez graduated from the Investing in Women’s

Futures program, all smiles while showing off her sewing projects Go back six years and you would find her in Santa Martha, Colombia. “My mother had a sewing business in my country, all my life I would see it all around me.” Claudia remembers. Settling into a new culture and country with her family was important, but so was finding something for herself. After settling in Kitchener-Waterloo, she took ESL classes. “I spoke to everyone!” Claudia laughs. A woman there told her she could learning sewing techniques at Focus for Ethnic Women. “She said people there can help you.” Claudia soon discovered the program provided even more potential than sewing alone. “It was wonderful, they taught me about employment and about myself. I saw many things I need to fix in my life,” she reflects. Claudia is able to accept and acknowledge the challenges she has faced. “You come to Canada, everything is new, it was hard, caring for my family at the same time.” But the program gave her strength.

“Jane’s exercises made me think and work. At first I was so worried, but now I have learned so many new skills” she expresses. The program funded by the Ontario Women’s Directorate helps in an all-encompassing way. She praises Focus for helping her gain confidence in herself and tells how comfortable she felt among the all women group. “The program gives you force. It was like a push to do something.” Claudia is motivated to improve her capacity in English and hopes to take the Language in the Workplace workshops. She would like to study at Conestoga College, eventually making a small career for herself. With this motivation in mind, and Focus behind her, Claudia will continue to do great things.

Hearing from our Employers:

Q and A with Adrian Agostan, UPS Store Manager

How long have you been an Employer with Focus for Ethnic Women? We have been working with the Focus for Ethnic Women for about two years. We find it a good program and a great resource for dedicated applicants very avid to bring their skills and positive attitude to the workplace.

What opportunities do you offer? We are an equal opportunity employer, offering a great working environment, extensive and ongoing training and ready to offer a chance when opportunity arise. Our working conditions are outstanding, offering a lot of interaction and problem solving opportunities.

What has been the best part of being an Employer Partner with Focus for Ethnic Women? I can think of many advantages partnering with the Focus for Ethnic Women, the major one being the fact that interested employers have access to ready to work, highly skilled candidates with a high work ethic and a strong desire to give back to the hiring organization.

What potential do you see in the Skills Unlimited Program and employing

immigrant women? As a young country, Canada relies on a high influx of emigrant professionals so Skills Unlimited is an invaluable tool to connect the employers with these professionals.

How do you suggest other employers get involved? Making the employers aware of the programs and the available incentives would open the door to more positions. The business community should be very familiar with these programs and be proud of being able to improve the

life of the new emigrants that in return are helping to make our community stronger.

1. Silk pyjama pants by Nasim

2. Pillow with fringe with covered button

by Claudia

3. Decorative pillow by Nasim

4. Quilted bags, Blue by Biseyna,

Pink by Claudia

5. Decorative pillow with covered button

by Claudia

6. Patch pocket apron by Biseyna

The projects above

have been made by

hand in the

Investing in

Women’s Futures

Program.

1

2

3

4

5

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Motivation to Do More Claudia Lopez, Investing in Women’s Futures Program Graduate speaks of her success.

2

3

6

The UPS Store #398

7 - 871 Victoria St N

Kitchener ON

N2B 3S4

519 569 7336

A s the founding program at Focus For Ethnic Women, Skills Unlimited has

changed its approach once again. Now in its second year within the new model of Employment Ontario, through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Focus continues to adapt to meet the needs of immigrant women as well as any person in the community who may need help. “One of our proudest achievements is that we were able to as an agency, open up a job search service for all demographics” said Executive Director Olga George-Cosh. Skills Unlimited offers a niche service that has established great connections in this community. “Within these 23 years, people are sustaining jobs that they got right after our workshops. Word of mouth is still our strongest tool.” Employment Counsellor Sushma Joshi explains. Vera Li, a graduate from the Skills Unlimited class this past spring describes that “the skills

and techniques we learn are not only useful in looking for a job, but also useful in our life skills. To be optimistic,

persevering, hardworking and continuous learning can help a person go through adversities, and lead to success in career as well as personal life.” Focus continues to specialize in helping immigrant women with their challenges, and staff go the extra mile to make sure needs are being met. “As immigrants ourselves, we understand the depth of their issues. This is a service that is designed by and for immigrant women, we were always about inclusion, now we welcome everyone to take advantage of the services here.” Services offered now host more flexibility for job seekers. “Before, it was solely a 5 week program, now we are open to meet anyone’s needs and timeframe. Whether they have a family, or work part-time, our one-on-one career counselling and walk-in service is available.” Joshi describes. “We have both placements with and without incentive” notes Job Developer Maryam Naji. With workshops evolving to meet today’s workforce, and extending service, Skills Unlimited welcomes you.

5

How Can We Find

Jobs as Newcomers?

During the Employer Panel earlier this summer, a past participant of the Skills Unlimited program asked this. Rupinder Gil, panellist and Chartered Accountant of Miller and Lindsay had to some tips to share...

1 Professional persistence. Keep emailing

and approaching places you are interested in, gain information through web searches or informational interviews.

2 “You have to be enterprising.” One step at a

time, understand your skills and potential while being humble, knowing you may have to com-promise at the start.

3 Look into strategic

volunteering. Learn overtime, it’s a resume builder

4 References make

a big difference.

5 Positive contacts

lead to credibility.

W alking through Focus for Ethnic Women’s doors,

one can see that Samya is the kind of person to fill a room with positivity and laughter. Now, very connected to her community and to her own abilities, Samya credits her time in the Immigrant Women and Voice program towards her continual success. “I studied business back home, in the capital city of Sudan and really loved learning English” she explains. “When I came to Canada, I had lots of vocabulary but I didn’t talk here.” She needed encouragement and the confidence, so she started taking speaking classes at Chandler Mowat community centre. It was there she learned about Focus. “My friend Maha forwarded an email to me about this new program.” At first, Samya thought to herself, “I’m going to start from

here, I’m going to try and explore. But I didn’t think it was going to be that good!” She soon realized that the program had much more to offer than she originally assumed. “I thought it would be a little thing, but this was more than a great starting point. I thought it would be a commitment to come each day, but it turned out that every day I was excited to be there and also to come back the next day!” For Samya, the learning and lessons were invaluable. In the eight weeks of workshops surrounding a range of topics, the Immigrant Women and Voice Program, funded by Status of Women Canada, offers self-awareness, leadership, communi-cation and community resources. “I’ve changed my perspective. Not all resumes are good for each job. You have to be prepared and read up on the

organization and to apply to jobs you’re passionate about. All of these lessons, Focus provided me with.” Volunteer placements through the program gave Samya that very option. She has successfully interviewed with the YMCA to assist new and older immigrants in the English Learning Circles. “Focus helped me feel confident

there in the room when I was being interviewed. If I did this interview before the program, I would have just the reality from back home.” Samya has great memories of her friendly and respectful group. “I was always happy, Janina makes you feel so comfortable”. With a smile, Samya says, “I’m going to suggest this program to everyone. Even if you’ve been in Canada for longer, this program is for you, to be confident, that is beneficial to all, even for Canadians!”

Name: Samya Originally from: Sudan Studied: A little bit of everything, with a focus in business administration Volunteer Involvements: The Sudanese Women’s Group as well as the Coalition for Muslim Women. This year she participated in the “Day of Dialogue” in the human library. Next Big Thing: A placement with the YMCA language circles.

Taking Confidence Full Circle Samya Mohamed takes the Immigrant Women and Voice Program to her full potential

Job Search Workshops, A New Chapter

We express our appreciation to the following funders for their support during the 2010-2011 year:

FOCUS your involvement!

Focus for Ethnic Women Board of Directors

Focus for Ethnic Women Staff Executive Director Olga George-Cosh Programs Manager Elpida Pashartis Financial Administrator Zai Eberschlag Receptionist / Administrative Assistant Cristina Ruha Housekeeping Ellen Adam Employment Counsellor / Group Facilitator (Skills Unlimited) Sushma Joshi Employment Counsellor / Job Developer (Skills Unlimited) Maryam Naji Employment Ontario Program Assistant / Information Specialist (Skills Unlimited) Ana Bobesiu

Employment Specialist (Investing in Women’s Futures) Jane Sparks Sewing Instructor (Investing in Women’s Futures) Bonnie Pearson Computer Trainer (Investing in Women’s Futures) Fariba Chaghand Community Program Facilitator/Coordinator (Healthy Lifestyles) Agnes Das Group Support Facilitator (Healthy Lifestyles) Carolina Jimenez Learner Resource Centre Coordinator Pamela Martin

Project Coordinator (Immigrant Women and Voice) Janina Robinson Youth Facilitator / Project Assistant (Immigrant Women and Voice) / Web Maintenance Janice Lee Project Coordinator (Youth Opportunities Program The Colour of My Lenses) Maja Veletanlic Photoshop/ Graphic Design Instructor (Youth Opportunities Program The Colour of My Lenses) Crestina Martins Summer Student / Newsletter Designer Krista Boniface

Our Location

145 Columbia Street West Unit 9

Waterloo, ON N2L 3L2

Contact Us Phone: 519 746 3411

Fax: 519 746 6799 E-mail: ffew@golden.net

Marilena Benak President Judita Makos Vice President Valeria Rigler Treasurer Beth Pitt Secretary

Elisabeth Adrian Past President Dina Zahir Caroline Kim Poornima Laxminarayana Rohini Wittke

6

Become a Volunteer

Act on the Board of

Directors or as a committee member

Present your field of work to

one of our workshop groups

Lend your expertise in website maintenance, office

assistance

Partner with Us

Provide a work placement

to program graduates

Give the opportunity of job shadowing or work

mentorship

Collaborate with us on fundraisers

Donate

Monetary funds towards

our programs, service operations at Focus or the Ari Education Fund

Items towards our annual

Focus on Friends Charity Auction

Your time and presence at

our events

www.few.on.ca

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

September 21st, 2011

Alterations Project Launch

For United Way’s Day of Caring

Free alterations to the first 20 clients!

March 8th, 2012

Focus on Friends Fundraiser

Golf’s Steak House and Seafood

An evening of community, culture and recognizing

immigrant women And many thanks to our tireless volunteers!