Posted: November 2022
Introduction to Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute (CMWI)
Since 2006, the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute (CMWI) has been helping newcomers and refugees with programs and services so they can settle and call Winnipeg home. While services were initially offered to women, men also came asking for the same services so, in 2016, CMWI was designated as a Family Resource Centre and is now serving the entire family. CMWI started with food and clothing donation services as well as offering information sessions on women’s health and parenting in a new country. Over the years, the CMWI has grown from two part-time staff to fifteen full-time staff offering many more programs and services to everyone regardless of ethnicity or faith and has become a well-known and trusted local organization in Winnipeg.
Interview with CMWI Leadership
We had a chance to talk with Yasmin Ali, CMWI’s Board President, and Maria Rabadi, CMWI’s Employment Training Coordinator, to learn about CMWI and its services to newcomers. They currently offer Employment training programs, Family programs, Financial Empowerment programs, Food programs, Health & Wellness programs, and Interpretation & Translation services.
MANSO staff with CMWI staff and participants from CMIW’s Culinary Edge Employment training program (September 2022)
Throughout the journey of a newcomer settling and re-settling in a new country, they come with many needs for support and these needs evolve. At any point in their settlement journey, CMWI can support them and their families and offers a safe, supportive environment with culturally sensitive services that meet their needs. “Please feel free to come and ask us. If we can offer it, we will be here to support you otherwise we will refer you,” – Yasmin smiled.
CMWI currently has fifteen staff, and among them, they speak twelve different languages: English, Arabic, Somali, Tigrigna, Amharic, Chinese, Yoruba, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, French, and Farsi.
Community at CMWI
Participating in CMWI’s programs will not only equip participants with essential skills to develop their careers, but they can also meet friendly staff who care about them, from the front desk reception to program staff and instructors. With a child-minding service available on-site, CMWI gives their client the peace of mind that their children are being well taken care of while they are learning in class.
Clients come to CMWI from all walks of life, and over time, they will eventually become part of a bigger community where they can be comfortable and confident. CMWI would often see their past clients come back to their offices to celebrate their successes with the team. With Yasmin, Maria, and, the staff at CMWI, they would see their clients as family members who they are willing to offer a helping hand at any time.
Everyone is welcome at CMWI, doesn’t matter their background or religion!
Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute
201-61 Juno St, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1T1
Phone: (204) 943-8539 ‘0’ for front desk
Fax: (204) 943-6350
Email: contact@cmwi.ca
