Our Vision, Mission
and Values

The Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) directly serves about 10,000 immigrants and refugees every year. We have three locations in Ottawa (central and south).

Our multi-faceted programs and services are delivered in over 50 languages to clients from 120 countries by OCISO’s team of knowledgeable, skilled and professional staff.

Our work is augmented by the generous efforts of our enthusiastic, caring and talented volunteers, both established and new Canadians.

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) has been providing comprehensive settlement and integration services to the Ottawa community since 1978.

• We believe in everyone’s ability to enrich the Canadian society through their unique contribution.
• We believe that when we work from a foundation of respect for each person and diverse cultures we can create positive change in our communities.
• We are dedicated to being effective, adaptable and principled in our approach to people and situations.
• Our clients and our staff have a right to a safe environment that is free of harassment and discrimination and the responsibility to foster and protect such an environment.
• We believe that meaningful change towards social justice is only possible through the evolution of our systems and institutions.

OCISO recognizes the dignity and worth of every person and is committed to creating an environment that is safe, accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all. Our Racial Equity Committee (REC) provides guidance and support to the OCISO management team on ongoing efforts to improve racial equity within the organization and within the communities we serve. REC addresses racial discrimination, inequity, and oppression that racialized employees and community members face. All members of this committee are expected to foster equity and inclusion, in accordance with the expectations set out in OCISO’s Anti-racism, anti-oppression policy.

You can follow public events organized by the REC on our events calendar. 

OCISO will exert reasonable efforts to establish policies, programs, and services, along with associated procedures and practices, that guarantee accessible service to individuals with disabilities. We will make every effort to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities, taking into consideration their specific needs. This encompasses accommodating individuals who use assistive devices to acquire, use, or benefit from our goods and services, as well as welcoming those accompanied by a service animal or support person.

Our staff undergo training to effectively serve individuals with disabilities, aligning with guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. Concerns or suggestions can be directed to OCISO's Chief Human Resources and Operations Manager at [email protected].

For a copy of OCISO's Accessibility for Ontarians with A Disability Policy, please reach out via email at [email protected].