Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization has been providing comprehensive settlement and integration services to the Ottawa community since 1978.
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OCISO’s award-winning programs include community integration, public education, mental health counselling, school based programs, and English language instruction to newcomers. OCISO directly serves about 11,000 immigrants and refugees every year. We have four locations in Ottawa (central, south, and east). Our multi-faceted programs and services are delivered in over 50 languages to clients from

120 countries by OCISO’s team of knowledgeable, skilled and professional staff. Our work is augmented by the generous efforts of our enthusiastic, caring and talented volunteers, both established and new Canadians. Our services:
Settlement counselling, job search workshops, employment mentoring, immigrant women support, housing support, legal aid, English language training, counselling for individuals, families and couples, support for students, families and school administration, immigrant youth support, ESL summer camps, crosscultural education, and community activities and events.

May 24–30 is National AccessAbility Week in Canada. This week celebrates the contributions and leadership of people with...
05/24/2026

May 24–30 is National AccessAbility Week in Canada.

This week celebrates the contributions and leadership of people with diverse abilities and encourages us all to reflect on how we can build more accessible, barrier-free communities.

Accessibility goes beyond physical spaces—it includes communication, services, opportunities, and the ways we support one another. By listening, learning, and taking action, we can help create communities where everyone can participate and thrive.

⏳ Tomorrow is the day! Our team is getting ready to run, walk, and make an impact—are you ready? Come cheer us on and be...
05/22/2026

⏳ Tomorrow is the day!

Our team is getting ready to run, walk, and make an impact—are you ready?

Come cheer us on and be part of the energy!

Can’t make it in person? You can still support.
Donate or share with your network: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ociso2026

Every bit of support helps us go further - from one generation to the next.

See you at the start line!

📢 Deadline Extended!The MDSF application deadline has been extended to Friday, May 29, 2026.If you or someone you know m...
05/21/2026

📢 Deadline Extended!

The MDSF application deadline has been extended to Friday, May 29, 2026.

If you or someone you know may qualify, we encourage you to apply and help spread the word within the community.

Thank you for your support! 💙

Earlier this month, OCISO officially opened the Youth Lounge at our 1800 Bank Street location — a welcoming space create...
05/20/2026

Earlier this month, OCISO officially opened the Youth Lounge at our 1800 Bank Street location — a welcoming space created for youth to relax, connect, and simply be themselves.

There are not enough spaces where young people can gather without pressure, schedules, or expectations. The Youth Lounge was created to offer exactly that: a safe and supportive environment where youth feel they belong.

One of the most meaningful moments from the opening was having one of the youngest participants in our youth programs join our CEO Mary Roman and Board Chair George Enei for the ribbon cutting. It was a special reminder that this space was built with youth, and for youth.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone and to everyone who helped make this vision possible.

A special thank you to our current and former staff members who volunteered their time, energy, and care to help bring the Youth Lounge to life.

To all youth in our community — this space is yours. 💙

Want to see what’s happening at the Youth Lounge? Stay tuned for YOCISO’s monthly youth activities, events, and programs designed to help youth connect, learn, and have fun together! Find more details: https://ociso.org/youth-services/

⏳ Three days to go! For many newcomers, a “new start” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a real journey. A new city. A new langua...
05/20/2026

⏳ Three days to go!

For many newcomers, a “new start” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a real journey.

A new city. A new language. A new life to build.

This weekend, our community will be running and walking to support those journeys.

Even if you’re not joining the race, you can still stand with them. A small donation can make a meaningful difference.

👉 Support here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ociso2026

Every step matters - from one generation to the next.

Many of us remember what it felt like to arrive somewhere new, learning how things work, finding our place, starting ove...
05/20/2026

Many of us remember what it felt like to arrive somewhere new, learning how things work, finding our place, starting over.

Maybe it was you. Maybe it was your parents.

This weekend, through Run for a New Start, we’re coming together to support others who are on that same journey today.

If you can’t make it in person, you can still be part of it. Your donation helps someone take their next step forward.

👉 Support the campaign here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ociso2026

Let’s carry it forward - from one generation to the next.

Happy Victoria Day! Please note that OCISO offices will be closed on Monday, May 18. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxi...
05/18/2026

Happy Victoria Day!

Please note that OCISO offices will be closed on Monday, May 18.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing long weekend as we celebrate one of Canada’s historic holidays and welcome the start of the summer season.

Final reminder! The deadline to apply for the Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund is approaching. If you are an immigrant or r...
05/17/2026

Final reminder!

The deadline to apply for the Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund is approaching. If you are an immigrant or refugee youth pursuing post-secondary education in the National Capital Region, this is your chance to receive $1,500 toward your studies.

Visit our website and submit your application before Friday, May 22, 2026: https://ociso.org/mdsf/

⏳ One week to go! Run for a New Start is almost here! In just 7 days, our community will come together to run, walk, and...
05/14/2026

⏳ One week to go! Run for a New Start is almost here!

In just 7 days, our community will come together to run, walk, and support newcomers across Ottawa.

There’s still time to register, donate, and cheer on Team OCISO!

👉 Join us or support the campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ociso2026

Let’s make every step count — from one generation to the next.

Address

959 Wellington Street West
Ottawa, ON
K1Y2X5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

613-725-0202

Website

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