2017 was a significant year for PIRS. We experienced considerable growth and our budget nearly doubled. Therefore, we were able to expand programs and pilot new ones. With new funding and generous donations, PIRS responded to the Syrian Refugee crisis by delivering a Pop-Up Family program to refugees living in temporary accommodations. We piloted a Community English for Refugees program at Edmonds School in Burnaby and delivered English classes to Syrian refugees at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. The pilot culminated in a Celebration of Learning where the children in preschool welcomed us with lovely songs and we heard powerful testimonials from women who spoke about the ways PIRS moved them from isolation to self-confident community engagement.