Immigrant Women's Integration Network expands in Edmonton

A free program helping newcomers find jobs and adjust to life in Edmonton is expanding.

The Immigrant Women's Integration Network or I-WIN launched threeyears ago.

It's currently based out of the Welcome Centre for Immigrants in Millbourne Market Mall in Mill Woods.

Next month classes will begin running at a second location in the west end atthe Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers complex at 10030 167th St.

So far, I-WIN has helped close to 400 women, according to program coordinator Elauna Boutwell.

"We hold sessionsthree days a week for a series of sevenweeks," said Boutwell. "For about three-quarters of our participants, they're looking for jobs so we focus a lot on what does a Canadian job search look like and a resume and what they can expect for the interview."

But Boutwellsaid she believes the program also helps the womenfeel more comfortable in their new home, as they getout into the community and meetother people.

Chand Gul came to Edmonton four years ago from Pakistan. She remembers initially not beingable to talk to people or work here, still hesitant and unaware of the culture andlanguage.

Gul said she feelsproud and privileged to have gone through the program.

"I-WIN is a beacon of light in my life," she said."When I joined I-WIN I overcame all these problems."

Inside I-WIN

8 years ago

Duration 2:51

Learn more about the Immigrant Women's Integration Network from program coordinator Elauna Boutwell.

Boutwell saidwomen from all over the world with very different stories take part in the program.

Some, particularly those withhigher education, make the transition into the Canadian job market. Others struggle so much with lack ofconfidence they can't evenleave their home.

I-WIN offers one on one support, childcare while participants are in class, and bus tickets if transportation is a barrier for attendance, said Boutwell.

"Watching them grow in everyday ways, like the excitmentof catching the bus, is really exciting for me," she said.

To see more from the Immigrant Women's Integration Network watch Our Edmonton on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday and Monday on CBC TV.

Meet Jhumar Parmar

8 years ago

Duration 0:48

Jhumar Parmar is a graduate of the Immigrant Women's Integration Network (I-WIN) program in Edmonton. Hear her story.