Celebrating 50 Years of Empowering Immigrant Women

Join us in honouring five decades of courage, connection, and community.

2025 marks 50 years of Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) — five decades of creating spaces where immigrant and refugee women and children can learn, grow, and thrive. This milestone is more than a celebration of our past; it is an opportunity to look ahead to the next 50 years and how PIRS will continue to support and empower immigrant and refugee women.

Together, we will celebrate the journey so far and invite our community to help write the next chapter — ensuring that PIRS remains a source of strength, connection, and opportunity for the next 50 years.

Our Story

A Dream that Grew into a Movement

1

Hopeful beginnings

Fifty years ago, a small group of motivated women in Vancouver dreamed of something simple yet profound: creating a space where they could help their newcomer neighbors feel less alone, learn the language of their new home, and build a better life for their families. That dream became the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS), and since then, we’ve walked alongside thousands of women, helping them find their voices, confidence, and place in this country.

2

It takes incredible courage

Starting over in a new place isn’t easy. It takes incredible courage to leave behind what’s familiar—your home, your culture, sometimes even your family—to try to build a life somewhere new. Now imagine doing it without being able to ask for help, speak up for your child, or express what’s in your heart. At PIRS, we see this every day. And every day, we work to change it.

3

Language is a key to opportunity

We believe language is so much more than just words. It’s the key to unlocking opportunity. When a woman learns to confidently communicate, she gains so much more than vocabulary—she gains agency. She can walk into her child’s classroom and have a meaningful conversation with the teacher. She can explain her symptoms to a doctor without fear of misunderstanding. She can advocate for herself, for her family, for her community. And in doing so, she helps shape a stronger, more inclusive society.

4

Everyone deserves to belong

This is why PIRS exists: to meet women where they are, no matter what their journey looks like. We create low-barrier, welcoming spaces where they can learn English, make connections, and feel a sense of belonging. Our programs are designed for mothers who juggle childcare, for women balancing work and resettlement, and for anyone who feels like they’re starting from scratch. And because we know it takes a village, we provide free childcare, mentorship, and the kind of support that doesn’t just teach—it empowers.

5

Building a life

But it’s not just about learning English. It’s about building a life. It’s about a mother who, with confidence in her voice, builds a foundation that her children can stand on. It’s about a woman who rediscovers her career path and enriches Canadian workplaces with her global experience. It’s about someone who starts the next chapter of her story, not just surviving, but thriving.

6

Planting seeds of transformation

Over the years, we’ve been pioneers in this work, setting the stage for others to follow. We were among the first to offer free childcare so women could attend classes. We’ve developed innovative programs that don’t just teach skills—they transform lives. But we can’t do this alone. As a grassroots organization, we’ve always been resourceful with what we have, but to continue breaking down barriers and creating real change, we need your support.

7

A better future

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be an immigrant to understand this story. If you’ve ever dreamed of a better future for your children, if you’ve ever felt the joy of belonging to a community, or if you’ve ever struggled to find your footing in a new place, then you already share our values. This milestone year is a celebration of resilience, courage, and community. It’s about honouring the women who’ve walked through our doors and inviting you to walk alongside them. With your help, we can keep creating these spaces where women find their voices, build their futures, and inspire us all with what’s possible.

8

Join us

Together, we can make sure that PIRS remains a source of hope and strength for the next 50 years. Let’s build a future where every woman feels empowered to speak, contribute, and thrive. Will you join us?

Our History

1975

PIRS is founded as a small, grassroots initiative by a group of immigrant and Canadian-born women in Vancouver.

1978

PIRS is incorporated as a non-profit society.

1980s

Expansion of English language and family support programming; focus on reducing social isolation.

1990s

Development of early childhood and childcare programs to support women with young children.

2000s

Introduction of trauma-informed and community-based models in program delivery.

2010s

PIRS launches leadership and employment readiness programs specifically tailored for immigrant and refugee women.

2020s

Shift to hybrid and virtual programming post-pandemic; over 1,960 women and children supported annually.

Upcoming 50th anniversary events

Celebrate With Us All Year Long

We’re hosting a series of exciting events each month leading up to our grand 50th celebration. Join us to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the power of community.

Tea & Stories: An Afternoon of Connection

Join us for an afternoon of tea, storytelling, and networking as we celebrate newcomer women and their journeys in Canada. This special fundraising event will also support PIRS’ Community English Classes — the first step to belonging for many immigrant and refugee women.

Saturday, September 27, 2025
1:30 – 3:30 PM
Anxin Community Savings, Richmond
6386 Number 3 Road #175, Richmond, BC V6Y 0L8

Reserve your spot

The Power of Your Giving

Each dollar you give opens doors to language, confidence, and community for immigrant and refugee women starting their lives in Canada. Your support today will help ensure newcomer women continue to feel welcome, supported, and empowered for the next 50 years.

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