After two extremely successful years as Executive Director, Lois MacDonald will be leaving the organization to accept a position in the private sector. Westman Immigrant Services has experienced significant growth and development under MacDonald’s leadership. The organization secured a five-year contract with federal funder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada which has put operations on firm ground for several years to come.
As part of this process, the organization assumed responsibility for settlement services beyond Brandon and across the Westman region – a major step forward. In addition, new funding opportunities with the provincial government have recently come to fruition, and a number of programs and initiatives have been enhanced with the support of new, external funders. The building lease at 1001 Pacific was re-negotiated, and recently the
construction of an accessibile front entryway was completed. With MacDonald at the helm, the organization’s profile in the community has grown as the numbers and range of clients served has also increased, through the dedicated and passionate efforts of our employees and our many volunteers.
The search for a new Executive Director is underway, as MacDonald’s time with the organization will draw to a close in the coming days. Board Chair, Dr. Steve Robinson, states “Westman Immigrant Services has much to be proud of and owes a great debt of gratitude to Lois for helping us to get there. As we turn this page to new
leadership, we can look to a very bright future with ever-more-significant outcomes for this community, this province, and this country. I would like to extend deepest thanks to Lois, for her leadership, and myself and the Board of Directors wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours!”
MacDonald states “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the organization and on a daily basis was amazed by the excellent staff and volunteers who worked diligently to provide exemplary service and support to our clients. The strength and resilience of those who come to Canada to build a new life for themselves and their families is awe-inspiring and I have been honoured to lead an organization who supports them in their journey in so many ways. I have learned so much in this organization, and was pleased to be part of the great work that is accomplished here
every day”.
Westman Immigrant Services provides settlement support, language classes and a variety of programs for newcomers to Canada. With over 45 staff, they support thousands of clients annually on their settlement journey.
(submitted)
