Pacific Immigrant Resources Society

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) began serving immigrant and refugee women and children in 1975. We recognized the unique challenges immigrant and refugee women face and set out to help them integrate and advance in Canadian society. Strong volunteers, connection to community and dedicated staff have helped PIRS bring English classes in the neighbourhoods where our students live. From its first visionary ESL program for Cantonese-speaking mothers and preschoolers started in Vancouver’s Chinatown, PIRS has been working to address the issue of social isolation faced by immigrant mothers with limited English proficiency. Over the years, we have expanded our offering to include leadership and development programs, as well as early childhood education. Now, all of our programs have a trauma-informed approach and focus on creating safe and inclusive environments where women have control, find connections and meaning. Together, we thrive!

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) is more than just an immigrant and refugee services agency. We are a supportive community dedicated to empowering women to raise out of isolation and integrate into life in Canada by offering programs that:

• Build participant’s English Language skills;
• Provide opportunities to make new friends and build social and professional networks;
• Build workforce credentials (specializing in childcare and facilitation);
• Build self-confidence and a support network;
• Gain Canadian experience through practicums and/or volunteerism.

Our Programs

We support immigrant and refugee women and children to become active participants in Canadian society. Participants learn about their communities, their new country and ultimately, about themselves. PIRS programs build a strong foundation for success.

Our Approach

We come to you! Our neighbourhood-based programs follow a trauma-informed approach and offer safe spaces for immigrant and refugee women to learn, build confidence and develop meaningful friendships. We provide childcare, so the women attending our programs have peace of mind, and the freedom to be fully engaged in their growth. In the past year alone, we have served 1,339 women and children, making us leaders in our sector.

PIRS offers the following services, open to newcomer women of all ages and experiences:

• Learn and Practice English (ESL Programs)

• Programs for parents with young children  (Children and Family Programs)

• Early Years Refugee Program

• Leadership and Employability Skills (Women’s Development Programs)

• Community events, volunteer or practicum work

We aspire to increase program locations to improve accessibility. If our clients require transportation support, we do our best to provide it. We are grateful to our funders and donors for their continued support with this need.

Here’s what our student Freishta had to say about our programs:

“Since I joined the Early Years Refugee Program and PIRS’ English classes, I feel happy and less isolated. I observed that my son has improved his vocabulary. Now I encourage him to speak when he points out something, instead of giving it to him right away. Both my children have developed social skills. They play much better, take turns and help me with the clean-up.”

To view our program schedules visit our PIRS Program Calendar.