Vancouver, BC — January 21, 2026 — Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) marked its 50th anniversary this week, celebrating five decades of supporting immigrant and refugee women and their children to build fulfilling lives in Canada.
The milestone was recognized during PIRS’ Annual General Meeting, which brought together long-standing community members, founders, volunteers, partners, funders, staff, and supporters to reflect on the organization’s journey and collective impact. More than a celebration, the gathering served as a moment of gratitude and recognition for the generations of women and families who have walked alongside PIRS and helped shape its mission.
Since its beginnings, PIRS has supported nearly 28,000 women and children through programs designed to reduce isolation, strengthen confidence, and foster belonging. Each year, the organization serves women from diverse cultural, linguistic, and migration backgrounds, responding to the evolving realities of settlement, caregiving, employment, and community life in Canada.
From its early days, PIRS has pioneered a trauma-informed practice approach, grounding all programs in care, dignity, and respect for lived experience. Through this foundation, PIRS delivers programs focused on building language skills for life in Canada, empowering women’s leadership, fostering economic participation, and supporting families and children. Through this work, PIRS supports women not only to settle, but to thrive—recognizing their strengths, lived experience, and leadership potential as essential to strong and inclusive communities.
During the AGM, PIRS also shared highlights from the past year, reflecting a period marked by both challenges and opportunities. Despite ongoing social, economic, and systemic pressures facing newcomer communities, PIRS continued to adapt its services, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to low-barrier supports. The welcoming of new Board members further reinforced the organization’s commitment to strong governance and stewardship as it enters its next chapter.
A special panel conversation held during the event brought the anniversary theme to life through personal stories of immigration, resilience, and belonging. Grounded in the themes of courage, connection, and community, panelists reflected on their journeys, the importance of supportive networks, and the role community plays in shaping long-term well-being. Their stories underscored a shared truth: the impact of PIRS extends far beyond programs—it lives in relationships, confidence built over time, and communities strengthened through care and connection.
“For fifty years, PIRS has supported immigrant and refugee women by recognizing their lived realities and building access where it matters most,” said Mariam Bouchoutrouch, Executive Director of PIRS. “This milestone reflects our belief that inclusion must be intentional and actionable—through language, child care, leadership, and economic pathways—and that supporting women strengthens families, communities, and the entire economy.”
As PIRS enters its 50th year, the organization reaffirms its commitment to a vision of a community that honours the strengths of diverse women and supports their full participation in society. Looking ahead, PIRS remains dedicated to evolving alongside the communities it serves, responding to emerging needs, and continuing to support immigrant and refugee women and their children to build lives rooted in dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
About Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)
Founded in 1975, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) is a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee women and their children to build meaningful, fulfilling lives in Canada. Through trauma-informed programs and strong partnerships, PIRS works to reduce systemic barriers, advance inclusion, and strengthen communities across the Lower Mainland. To date, PIRS has supported more than 28,000 women and children, recognizing lived experience as a vital source of leadership, resilience, and social change.