Immigrants Working Centre

Specialties

The Immigrants Working Centre is an equality seeking, anti-​racist, charitable organization dedicated to the social, political and economic inclusion of refugee and immigrants in a just and supportive Canadian society. Our Centre is committed to enabling refugees and immigrants to discover and build their new futures through skills development and settlement support.

History

Established in 1988.

The Immigrants Working Centre was formed in 1988 by the synergy of grassroots refugee groups and the support of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton as an informal response to the needs of hundreds of refugees arriving from Central America during the 1980s. Our emphasis at that time was to assist with immediate needs including temporary shelter and provisions, orientation to the community and search for employment. This grassroots, community-​based association eventually evolved into a multi-​ethnic and multi-​service providing organization, focusing on the specific needs of immigrants and refugees. The services are designed to support the settlement and advancement of newcomers in the areas of employment, education, skills training, and the growth and development of their children aged 6 and under.