Mission Statement
Our mission is support immigrant, newcomer and refugee women and their family members of all generations to become fully participating members of Canadian society who are self-sufficient, financially secure, safe, happy, healthy and socially active. We accomplish this by enhancing our clients’ individual functioning skills and by facilitating their access to resources, agencies, and community services.
Meet Our Staff
The staff at the Rexdale Women's Centre is a dedicated team of talented individuals who create a supportive and nurturing environment for our client community in order to achieve services delivery results.
The success of the organization is attributed to the hard working employees who effectively work in unison with one another, and the community at large.
Anyone who enters and of our Centre locations will encounter a friendly atmosphere where employees are willing and ready to provide assistance.
As a diverse team of individuals, our staff provides professional services which are culturally and linguistically relevant so that our clients experience a smoother transition into the community and Canadian society.
Click here to view a list of languages supported by our staff.
Messages from the Chairperson, Rebecca Rabinovitch
and Executive Director, Fatima Filippi
An eastern proverb states that: “The acts of this life are the destiny of the next”.
For 32 years, our goal has been to improve the lives and destinies of the women we work with. Rexdale Women's Centre is a visible and vibrant presence in the north Etobicoke community where services and programs are establishing the building blocks to enhance the destiny of our clients.
It is our belief that every person who walks through our doors can meaningfully contribute to our society when provided with the tools needed in order to integrate and to participate fully. As one mother, whose son attended one of our children’s program, stated: “the School Readiness program has shown us the path to teach our kids.” Our role as a social service organization could not be more evident: we are the conduit for our clients to achieve their potential and to pass this knowledge onto others.
Without exception, this past year has been very exciting in achieving new milestones and introducing new programs. In the past 12 months, our dedicated staff served 9,344 clients and provided 79,786 services which paved the way for achieving their future goals and aspirations. We have expanded our partnership boundaries and have brought together newcomers, local residents, community and organizations to build a legacy which fosters greater understanding. Through these partnerships we laid the ground work for stronger networks which strengthen the community as a whole.
Despite the economic difficulties nationwide, RWC has continued to thrive. Our services are needed more than ever and feedback from users has been extremely positive. 92% of our clients stated that they were satisfied with the services they received and 82% said they would refer a family member or friend. By providing a range of programs – from children to seniors, from English language instruction to employment workshops, from counselling services to settlement services – RWC has developed and maintained a strong relationship with our funders and government representatives.
Internally, much work has also been accomplished. Our Board of Directors has worked hard with our staff to update policies and procedures that reflect our place in the community. It is our goal to foster a workplace that is respectful, safe, and welcoming for our staff, volunteers, and clients and to ensure that RWC is as diverse as our community.
Our vision for the future of our community is one in which newcomers are valued and feel accepted, where women and children live without fear, where poverty is eliminated, where internationally trained professionals find work in their field, where immigrant children succeed in school, and where immigrant seniors are respected for their expertise and skills. The destiny of the women, newcomers, immigrants and refugees we work with is always at the forefront of both our day-to-day work as well as our over-arching vision.
It is by working together, that the staff and Board of Directors are proudly striving to fulfill our goals and mission and to build a future that is welcoming, inclusive and respectful. Through these acts, we are securing the Rexdale Women's Centre's role as a vibrant force for the future.