Introducing to SVP: Pacific Immigrant Resource Society

Discovery Team members: Monika Garg, Jonathan Burke, Neil Duke, Helen Stortini, Sohee Kim.
Due Diligence Phase: Proposal Review

About PIRS

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) offers accessible, inclusive, and low-barrier programs to immigrant and refugee women and their children, fostering a strong sense of belonging, meaningful participation, and leadership.
PIRS aims to empower immigrant and refugee women and children through a comprehensive range of initiatives, which include children and family Programs, English language classes, occupational training, and leadership programs. These programs collectively contribute to their vision of creating an environment where individuals can thrive, build confidence, and emerge as leaders in their communities.

Operating throughout Metro Vancouver, PIRS collaborates with diverse organizations and groups to provide community-based and trauma-informed services.

Since its inception, PIRS has been at the forefront of developing innovative program initiatives to provide comprehensive support for immigrant and refugee women. As a settlement organization founded by and for immigrant and refugee women, PIRS remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate successful resettlement experiences for women by offering accessible childcare solutions, seamlessly integrated with its array of services.

A significant proportion—approximately 70%—of PIRS program participants are women with children, underscoring the significance of considering childcare within the framework of resettlement services. A cornerstone of PIRS’s commitment is its provision of complimentary childcare services across all English language classes and family-oriented programs. These childcare initiatives are thoughtfully designed, nurturing children aged 18 months to 5 years through a blend of structured learning and creative play. PIRS’s Early Childhood Education approach is a harmonious fusion of Play-Based Learning, an Emergent Curriculum, and a Trauma-Informed Approach, fostering holistic development in alignment with Canadian educational standards. PIRS extends its dedication to children and youth by hosting dedicated programs, exemplified by the School’s Out Summer Camp for Immigrant and Refugee Children.

Central to PIRS’s offerings is the application of a trauma-informed approach to educational curricula, encompassing not only English language instruction, but also a broader spectrum of supportive content. Beyond mere language acquisition, our staff are trained to adopt an integrative, trauma-informed perspective that addresses both the explicit and latent needs of newcomer women. In particular, this approach is pivotal given that some program participants carry the weight of traumatic experiences caused by political upheaval, economic instability, or domestic violence.

Geographically rooted in the very neighbourhoods where immigrant and refugee women reside, PIRS’s programmatic outreach extends to those most marginalized and vulnerable. Their specialized programs offer comfort and assistance to women and children facing difficulties due to limited income, literacy, and the negative impact of racism. Participants in PIRS’s programs come from diverse corners of the globe – Ukraine, Afghanistan, Latin America, China, Vietnam, and more – with varying levels of proficiency in English. Among these, Ukrainian refugees comprise a significant portion of the support groups. To ensure effective communication and optimal program engagement, PIRS strategically employs staff and volunteers fluent in the participants’ native languages. This approach enables program participants to grasp the content and derive maximum benefits from the offerings.

With SVP’s Support, PIRS Plans to…

Internally, with SVP’s support, PIRS plans to hire someone to streamline their operational processes. This includes a thorough review of workflows, tools, and platforms to reduce duplication of effort.

Externally, the goal is to free up program staff’s time from operational activities, allowing them to focus more on direct service work. Simplifying program registration and evaluation processes is a priority, ensuring clarity in the data collected and the metrics used for measurement. This will enable PIRS to better articulate their story and impact, making them more attractive to potential funders interested in expanding or deepening their work.

Capacity building support:

• Operations
• Human Resources
• Social Impact Evaluation
• Marketing and Communications
• Finance
• Fund Development

Learn more about PIRS and their impact here.

_{*All images sourced from the PIRS website.}