Mother and daughter smiling

Empowering women to navigate life in Canada

Welcome to PIRS

Since 1975, the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) provides unique and essential programming for newcomer women and their young children. We are more than just an immigrant and refugee services agency. We are a supportive community dedicated to empowering women to rise out of isolation and build a vibrant and fulfilling life in Canada.

PIRS presents The Shoe Project!

The Shoe Project is a captivating event that brings together immigrant and refugee women, showcasing personal narratives they’ve crafted with the guidance of professional writing and theatre coaches. Each story is built around a pair of shoes – perhaps precious shoes they left behind, or shoes they dreamt they’d wear in their new lives. This year, The Shoe Project includes women from Ukraine, Somalia, Syria, Mexico, India, Iraq, Colombia, and Albania. To hear their powerful stories, join us on January 20 & 21, 2024 at the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre in Vancouver!

Two women conversing

Get Support

One-on-One Support

girl boy playing

Adapt to Life in Canada

Kids Have Stress Too

Female early childhood educator with children

Get Training & Build Leadership

Pathways to Childcare Careers

See all programs

What We Do

We help immigrant and refugee women take charge of their lives

PIRS supports immigrant and refugee women and children to become active participants in Canadian society. We have programs that help women improve their English, gain knowledge and skills needed to thrive, and guide them to become leaders in our community.

Group of women sitting on a couch
Mom holding a child, smiling

“I appreciate you all in PIRS highly for your support, encouragement and assistance in all things! Today was my first day of my first job in BC, Canada! … I definitely recommend others to join at PIRS as it is a valuable and prestigious organisation and was strongly helpful for me! My PIRS certificates shine in my resume!”

– Childcare Leadership Group Program participant

WHO WE ARE

We are a women-led non-profit working with the community to break barriers

PIRS is driven by a community of compassionate women of diverse views and backgrounds. Together, we bring new, innovative ways to respond to community needs.

Two women of diverse backgrounds laughing
Friends hugging

Let us support you as you build a vibrant and fulfilling life in Canada.