
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!

Learn English
Community English Classes

Get Support
One-on-One Support

Adapt to Life in Canada
Kids Have Stress Too

Get Training & Build Leadership
Pathways to Childcare Careers
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.


“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.

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