CIWA

Security Guard Training - April 27 to June 5, 2026 - open for registration
2026-04-27 - 2026-06-05
Registration now open for our next Security Guard Training – April 27 to June 5, 2026
Security Guard – Program Description

The Security Guard course covers the Alberta government’s Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) material and helps you prepare for the Alberta Security License exam. The course teaches about the security industry, the Canadian legal system, emergency response procedures, communication skills, and health and safety for Security Guards. Extra focus will be given to learning observation skills and incident report writing.
Program Details

Digital skills enhancement in Microsoft Word and Outlook
6 months of job search support
Child care and transit support

Our Career Counsellor will help with:

a professional resume and cover letter
job search techniques
job interview practice
a LinkedIn profile

Eligible Clients
This Security Guard course is available free to immigrant women in Calgary who are permanent residents or conventional refugees with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5-6.
For more information, please email: securityguardtraining@ciwa-online.com

Hospitality Training for Immigrant Women - February 9 2026 to May 1, 2026
2026-02-09 - 2026-05-01
Delivered in collaboration with Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), this 12-week fulltime program helps immigrant women develop and enhance their employability skills in the
hospitality and tourism industry.
This project offers

8 weeks of integrated occupational, English language and essential skills training
4 weeks of work experience placement
Customized training in partnership with SAIT
Computer skill enhancement and employment counselling
Job placement and retention support

Other details

Free training
Employer engagement

Other details

Free training
Employer engagement

Eligibility Criteria

Unemployed or underemployed immigrant women not receiving EI benefits
Open to permanent residents, refugees and Canadian citizens except CUAET holders
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) of 6 or higher in all four skills
Should not possess prior academic credentials from Canada

To register
Fill out this Registration Form for Hospitality Training
Contact
Arefin Azam
(403) 263-4414 Ext. 170
hospitalitytraining@ciwa.org

Take-A-Break Girls Self-care Activity
2024-08-21 11:00 - 2024-08-22 15:00 (America/Denver) | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
The one-on-one counselling program invites all immigrant girls 13-24 years old (PR, Refugee & CUAET) to join for two fun-filled days of games, crafts, painting, jewellery making, and more. Learn about wellness, self-care, community resources, building social connections, and participating in an intergenerational activity.
This event will take place on Wednesday August 21st and Thursday August 22nd from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Register today using the QR code.

Youth Wellness Day
2024-08-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7V6, Canada
In collaboration with Planet Youth, we invite all immigrant girls (PR, CUAET) aged 13-24 to join us for an amazing Wellness Day.
*Priority will be given to those who live in the Shawnessy, Saddleridge, Forest Lawn, and Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills areas.
Scan the QR code to register or email rosemarys@ciwa-online.com to save a spot. Limited spots are available!

Take-A-Break Girls Self-care Activity
2024-07-31 11:00 - 2024-08-01 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
The one-on-one counselling program invites all immigrant girls 13-24 years old (PR, Refugee & CUAET) to join for two fun-filled days of games, crafts, painting, jewellery making, and more. Learn about wellness, self-care, community resources, building social connections, and participating in an intergenerational activity.
This event will take place on Wednesday July 31st and Thursday August 1st from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Register today using the QR code.

Grandma's Kitchen and Self-esteem Group
2024-07-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3A 1V7, Canada
Client-let Taichi session followed by a hearty lunch prepared by the Seniors.

Youth Wellness Day
2024-07-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2V 2X3, Canada

Take-A-Break Girls Self-care Activity
2024-07-10 11:00 - 2024-07-11 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
The one-on-one counselling program invites all immigrant girls 13-24 years old (PR, Refugee & CUAET) to join for two fun-filled days of games, crafts, painting, jewellery making, and more. Learn about wellness, self-care, community resources, building social connections, and participating in an intergenerational activity.
This event will take place on Wednesday July 10th and Thursday July 11th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Register today using the QR code.

Mental Wellbeing and Resilience Workshops
2024-05-16 13:00 - 2024-06-27 14:30 | Genesis Center, 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE, Calgary, Alberta, T3J 0C9, Canada
Join us for a workshop on mental wellbeing and resiliency every Wednesday from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. This workshop welcomes participants on a drop in basis, all are welcome to join (18+).
Location: Genesis Centre Room No. 105
Contact: Vandana Sharma
e: vandanas@ciwa-online.com
#: 403-561-8073

CIWA Grandma’s Kitchen invites you to Eid Celebrations
2024-04-30 10:30 - 14:30 | Baitun Nur Mosque, 4353 54 Ave NE, Calgary, 4353 54 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta, T3J 4L3, Canada
Senior women from various cultures will join in a celebration of Eid. Join us in tasting diverse cuisine and participating in well-being activities. Ingredients and supplies will be provided.
Eligibility: Women 50+ with PR, Refugee, and CUAET immigration status

Take a Break – Girls Spring Celebration!
2024-04-03 11:00 - 2024-04-04 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
Take a Break, Girls Spring Celebration!
The One-on-One Counselling program invites all immigrant girls (PR, CUAET) to join us for two full days of fun activities and skill building. This program runs twice to accommodate the CBE and CCSD spring break schedule.
Dates: March 27 & 28, April 3 & 4
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: CIWA Building, 6th floor Assembly Hall

Modular Employment Training - Registration is ongoing
2024-04-02 - 2025-03-29
Do you need help to get a job? Join CIWA’s Modular Employment Training!
This program provides low-skilled immigrant women training to enter housekeeping, room attendant, and kitchen help roles. Clients receive one on one resumes and job search assistance. The program accepts new clients year-round for part-time or full-time sessions, and classes start every Monday. The program is available to immigrant women and refugees with 12 years or less of education who are permanent residents with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or less.
Learn workplace English.
Learn and improve skills and abilities in cleaning, housekeeping or kitchen help.
You will learn:

Cleaning and kitchen help
Customer service skills
Scheduling, phone etiquette
Hotel housekeeping
Basic food safety, skills on weights and measures
Health and safety standards
WHMIS, working with chemicals, signs and symbols
Employment standards
Teamwork in Canada
Basic computer skills
Job search skills
Interview skills

How does the program work?

Classes are ongoing all year round
Classes start every Monday

Classes are:

Morning – 9:15 – 11:45 or
Afternoon – 1:00 – 3:30 or
A choice of Full day classes
We help make resumes
We assist you find a job

More information:

Free course
Childcare is available
Bus tickets available

Contact us for an appointment
Call for an appointment: (403) 263-4414 ext. 228 or 170
Or email us at Modulartraining@ciwa-online.com

Take a Break - Girls Spring Celebration!
2024-03-27 11:00 - 2024-03-28 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall

International Women’s Day 2024: Give the gift of the arts
2024-03-08 18:00
Welcome to a celebration like no other, where the arts take center stage as we honour International Women’s Day 2024. Join us at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for an unforgettable evening of empowerment, culture, and community. This exclusive event not only invites you to revel in the captivating performance of Alberta Ballet in Hansel & Gretel but also encourages you to play a crucial role in supporting newcomer immigrant women in Calgary. Our goal is to foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for these women, showcasing all that Calgary has to offer, including its vibrant arts scene.

Friday, March 8, 2024

6 p.m. Private reception | 7:30 p.m. Ballet

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a celebration that goes beyond entertainment, making a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrant women.
Click here to purchase your tickets: For every two tickets purchased, one will be gifted to a CIWA client. All ticketed guests can attend a private, pre-ballet reception.
Click here to Sponsor this event: Receive special recognition, tickets and pre-ballet reception, while making an impact in the lives of immigrant women.
Together, let’s make International Women’s Day a truly impactful celebration of strength, resilience, and unity.

Enter title of the event here
2024-01-24 08:00 - 17:00 | CIWA Building – 3rd Floor, 138 - 4th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4Z6, Canada
Enter the details of the event here

Cross-Cultural Singing Group Starting Soon!
2024-01-10 16:00 - 2024-03-17 17:15 | CIWA Building, #200 138 4 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4Z6, Canada
CIWA and Calgary Opera have partnered together to create a creative singing project for women who are interested in:
• Sharing their cultural music heritage through songs and stories
• Learning about different musical cultures and styles
• Developing their voice
• Creating a musical-theatrical performance for family and friends
This group is open to anyone ages 14 to 65+ who loves music, singing, and storytelling! Participants should be able to consistently match pitch, but are not required to have previous music training or performance experience. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 or higher recommended.
To apply or for more information, please contact:
VERONICA ALIU | VeronicaA@ciwa-online.com | (403) 263-4414 Ext.280

Collaborative Action: Empowering Immigrant Communities Against GBV Resource Fair and Panel Discussion
2023-11-24 14:00 - 16:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
This Family Violence Prevention Month, join us for an event focused on addressing gender-based violence and empowering immigrant communities.
Location: CIWA, 6th floor assembly hall
Panel Discussion (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM):

Witness a panel discussion featuring community leaders, experts, and individuals with lived experience. Our panelists will explore the unique challenges and experiences of gender-based violence in immigrant communities.

Resource Fair & Refreshments (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM):

Connect with community partners and organizations
Discover resources and support services for gender-based violence prevention

This is a free community event, and the first 75 registrants will receive a swag bag upon attending. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation and connect with valuable resources in our collective effort to address gender-based violence.
Register today to secure your spot!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/collaborative-action-empowering-immigrant-communities-against-gbv-tickets-744635172847?aff=oddtdtcreator

RESP Sign-up Event
2023-11-16 10:00 - 14:00 | CIWA Building – 3rd Floor, 138 - 4th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4Z6, Canada
CIWA is hosting an RESP sign up event during the Education Savings Week this year. The event is going to be at our office at #3rd floor 138 4 Avenue SE on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 10am to 2pm. We’ve invited all of the major banks to help our clients open a FREE Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and apply for the Canada Learning Bond. Service Canada will also attend so they can support participants with SIN sign-up as needed.
Participants will need to bring:

Their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Photo ID
Their child’s SIN and ID (PR Card or Birth Certificate)

Calgary Immigrant Business Expo 2023
2023-10-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Central Library, 800 - 3 St SE, Calgary
You are welcome!
Organized by New Horizons Media Inc., Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Calgary Public Library, the Calgary Immigrant Business Expo (IBE) is a one-day exhibition including workshops, panel discussions, a marketplace, and small business clinics assisting new immigrant and refugee business owners.
Calgary Immigrant Business Expo aims to assist new immigrants in navigating the sometimes complex requirements of operating a small business in Canada. IBE will connect them with government-funded as well as other community services and supports that help newcomers start or grow their own small businesses.
Get your ticket

Women’s Civic Engagement Train the Trainer Course at CIWA
2023-07-17 - 2023-07-21
9:00am-12:00pm
Join us for a week long training course to take closer look at Civic Engagement including rights & responsibilities, government & voting, advocacy and volunteerism. Once the course finishes we will provide customized support for you to help us deliver civic engagement presentations in the community. Once you have completed the course and finished up your presentations you will receive a certificate of achievement and an honorarium.

Childcare available
Transportation support available

Join us for a week long training course to take closer look at Civic Engagement including rights & responsibilities, government & voting, advocacy and volunteerism. Once the course finishes we will provide customized support for you to help us deliver civic engagement presentations in the community. Once you have completed the course and finished up your presentations you will receive a certificate of achievement and an honorarium.
Open to ladies who are CLB 6+ and who are permanent residents, refugees or CUAET visa. Contact Shannon Edeonu to register ShannonE@ciwa-online.com 403-263-4414 Extension 199

Let Equality Bloom
2023-07-14 13:00 - 15:00
Women’s Rights Paint Day at Prince’s Island Park (At CIWA if it rains)
Welcome to CIWA! We are hosting a Paint Day in the park to learn more about your Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities in Canada. We will have discussion, music and light refreshments as everyone paints together for a grand masterpiece! You do not need formal painting skills to attend this session and all of the supplies are included.
This free session is open to immigrant women who are permanent residents, refugees or CUAET visa. Contact Shannon Edeonu to register ShannonE@ciwa-online.com 403-263-4414 Extension 199. Space is limited. (20 spots available)

Girl's Leadership Course (Ages 16-24) at CIWA
2023-07-14 - 2023-07-28
OR
August 14 – August 18
10:00am – 2:00pm
Join us for a 12 hour week long course learn more about democracy, advocacy and how to get more active in the community. Make friends and have a lot of fun! Activities, field trips and team building games included.
Open to girls ages 16-24 who are permanent residents, refugees or CUAET visa. Contact Shannon Edeonu to register ShannonE@ciwa-online.com 403-263-4414 Extension 199

Pathways to Success Program for Immigrant Girls between the ages of 14 - 21, Open for Registration
2023-04-01 08:00 - 2024-03-31 17:00
The Pathways to Success program serves immigrant girls between the ages of 14 and 21 to enhance their career readiness through a yearlong career-focused mentorship. The youth are paired with mentors who have similar career/education interest and can relate to the challenges mentees face when settling in a new country and adjusting to a new culture.
The program offers – training for the mentors, field trips to job fairs, educational institutions and community resources, one-on-one consultation with mentors, interactive employment and career-focused group workshops and 20-hour job shadow experience for the mentees. It builds leadership and enhances public speaking skills.

Family Resource Network Cross Cultural Parenting Post Conflict Program – Train the Trainer Course @ FRN Hub
2023-03-22 09:00 - 2023-03-24 14:30 | Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, 6th Floor - 138 4th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2N4Z6, Canada
Cross Cultural Parenting Post Conflict Program (CCPPC) aims to offer targeted services for immigrant and new Canadians families with children of Age 0-17 years under the “caregiver capacity building support” core service delivery domain. The objective of CCPPC is to offer supports and services that promote the development and strengthening of caregivers’ parenting skills and knowledge to enhance their capacity to create safe, responsive and nurturing environments and support healthy child development.
This workshop will prepare individuals who are interested in providing parenting supports to immigrant families and children.
Contact: Lisong Zhong @ 403-263-4414 Ext. 365 or LisongZ@ciwa-online.com.

Youth Employment Bootcamp
2023-03-17 15:00 - 18:00 | Calgary Central Public Library, 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB, AB T2G 2E7, Canada
Get ready for summer jobs by coming to the Newcomer Youth Employment Bootcamp! Mini workshops and 1-1 help with your resume and interview skills will boost your confidence and teach you skills. Register using the link in bio, or by scanning the QR code.*Limited spots available, sign up today!*
With @trellisyouthemployment
#ciwayouthyyc
#youthemployment
#youthemploymentcentre
#calgarylibrary
#youthcalgary
or Rosemary Scholten – RosemaryS@ciwa-online.com

Kimochis Workshop Online - Commences on March 15
2023-03-15 10:30 - 12:00
Workshop – Kimochis Workshop Online

Using Kimochis Characters to explore and manage children’s feelings, and help them become more resilient!

Date – March 15, 22 & 29
Time- 10:30am – 12:00 noon (Zoom)
March 15th

Character – Bug

Feelings – Shy, Brave, Left-out, Scared

Character – Lovey Dove

Feelings – Proud, Kind, Friendly

March 22nd

Character – Huggtopus

Feelings – Excited, Frustrated, Silly, Proud

Character – Cloud

Feelings – Sad, Happy, Mad

March 29th

Character – Cat

Feelings -Cranky, Curious, Sorry

5 keys of Communication

Contact

Deanna Tasker – (403) 263 – 4414 ext. 341
June Lee – (403) 263 – 4414 ext. 244
Or email: CalgaryNewcomerFRN@ciwa-online.com

CIWA -Women Celebrating Women @ Family Resource Network Hub
2023-03-10 10:00 - 12:00
Come and join us this International Women’s Day to converse about self-care through learning to practice mindfulness and the benefits of journaling.

Cross Cultural Parenting program - open for registration
2023-03-10 08:00 - 2023-05-16 16:30
CCPP Arabic Parenting Group March 2023 at Genesis Centre in Person – N (March 7, 14, 21, from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Location: MPR B; March 9, 16, 23 from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Location: D105)
CCPP English Parenting Group March – May 2023 in Person – SS (March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 2023 from 10:00 – 12:30; CIWA Classroom 401)
CCPP Hindi Parenting Group April 4 – May16, 2023 at Genesis Centre in Person – SS (April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 from 1:30pm – 4:00 pm; Location: MPR B at Genesis Centre) – Only have in person option
CCPP Customized Seniors Group at Pineridge, Genesis, and Ahmadiyya Mosque 2023 in Person – SS (March 7, 2023 from 10:30am-2:30pm at Pineridge Club; March 14, 2023 from 1:00-3:30 pm at Genesis Centre; March 28 2023 from10:30am-3:30pm at Ahmadiyya Mosque)
CCPP Seniors Workshop 1 at Knox Presbyterian Church 2023 in Person – N (1:00 pm – 3:30 pm on March 28, 2023 at Knox Presbyterian Church)
CCPP Workshop 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Person – SS (1:30 – 3:30 pm on March 3, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church)

CIWA’s Cross Cultural Parenting Program (CCPP) brings immigrant parents and caregivers together to discuss challenges in parenting in a new country and culture. The program provides practical information about parenting, including how to build positive parent/child relationships and expectations of parents in Canada. In this program, they gain knowledge and parenting skills to help them support their children growing up here. Small change will make a big difference.

Youth Mentorship Program - Registration now open
2023-02-22 08:00 - 2023-05-30 17:00
Mentorship!
Join our Youth Mentorship Program and get specialized services to help you settle in Canada. You can get a personal mentor to help you with your career goals, learning English, friendship and special events, activities and workshops. Sound like fun? Contact civicengagememnt@ciwa-online.com to book an interview and join us. Meet your mentor twice a month and belong to a really great group of girls who are your friends in Canada.
Stay tuned for Mentorship Sign up Week and Kick off . Come to CIWA, sign up, win prizes and learn more about getting active in your community to feel fuller and more equal participation in Canadian life.
February 22-May 30, 2023
It’s Mentorship Sign up time!
Get connected with a really supportive Mentor this week and join us for
Girls Youth Mentorship Program
Contact civicengagementprogram@ciwa-online.com

Youth Forum 2023
2023-02-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Marlborough Community Hall, 636 Marlborough Way NE, Calgary, AB T2A 2V9, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 2V9, Canada
Welcome to our 11th Annual Youth Forum! Learn more about the leadership impact of newcomer girls in the community because of peer mentorship at Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
Keynote speaker Alice Lam will talk about how to get more active in the community to make a difference in the lives of people facing loneliness, food insecurity and poverty. Learn more about how she helps everyone have access to resources that we all need.
Support newcomer girls as they host a large event to showcase our youth’s leadership strengths and talents. The event will kick off at 11:00 AM with an interactive resource fair!
