Our Mission

OCISO supports immigrants through the journey of making Canada their home by providing creative and responsive programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, by building community through mutual respect and partnerships, and by fostering healthy and inclusive spaces for open dialogue and healing.

Our Story/What We Do

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) is a community based non-profit organization that has been providing services in Ottawa since 1978.

OCISO directly serves over 12,000 immigrants and refugees every year. We have four locations in Ottawa (Central, East and South). Our multi-faceted programs and services are delivered in over 40 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 and Integration –This program offers settlement counselling, individual and group orientations, group sponsorship supports, community referrals, legal clinic, housing supports, senior’s programming.

Clinical Counselling  –This program offers language and culture specific individual, couple, group & family clinical counselling, specialized work with refugees, victims of abuse and torture.

Multicultural Liaison Program – This program offers settlement and integration supports for students, parents and school teachers and administrators-, onsite settlement services at schools, youth programming during and after school hours, summer camps, youth and parent orientation and engagement.

Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) –Our fully equipped school in Ottawa South provides English language classes from pre-literacy to LINC 7, computer labs, civic engagement opportunities, field trips, cultural activities, daycare facilities for pre-school children and summer camp for school-aged children.

Community Economic Development – Career Mentorship – The program matches internationally educated professionals and established Canadians working in the same or related professions. Vital links include Canadian workplace culture, practices, processes, and expectations.

Youth Services (YOCISO) - YOCISO programs are specifically designed to assist immigrant youth, ages 13 to 24, with their settlement and integration process.  YOCISO offers academic, life skills, counselling, and arts-based support in a fun, interactive, and newcomer youth-centered space.

Words From Our Community

“I have no words to express the thankfulness that I feel in my heart for the help I have received from OCISO. I have received supportive friendship, support in every aspect, they gave me courage for even the smallest challenges. Without OCISO my integration in Canada would have been difficult and different."

“I arrived in Canada as a refugee in 2013. I went to literacy class at LINC OCISO. Two years later, I am now an intermediate English student…I hope I will finish English school at OCISO. The teachers are always helping me and I have many friends here.”

“Once again, thank you and OCISO infinitely for your help throughout the job searching process and for partnering me with such a knowledgeable, patient and kind mentor.”

For more stories from the OCISO community please check out our videos and images below!