The Diverse Communities Outreach Programme (DCOP) offers supportive programming for women from Hamilton’s diverse racial and cultural communities, in particular women who are aboriginal, immigrant and refugees. DCOP services include:

The DCOP seeks to offer supports that are responsive to the diverse needs of women. Cultural interpretation and American Sign Language interpretation are available upon request.

- Women-Helping-Women groups in a variety of languages. Communities that have been involved in the past include:

•       Somali
•     Turkish-speaking
•     Russian-speaking
•     Spanish-speaking
•     Serbo-Croatian
•     Portuguese-speaking
•     Arabic-speaking
•     Canadian Aboriginal and Métis
•     Zimbabwean
•     Farsi Speaking
•     South East Asian

  - Individual support.
- Information and referral
- Advocacy and accompaniment.
- International Women’s Day annual event on March 8th.
- Practical assistance (childcare, bus tickets and snacks).

• Encourage active participation of women in their social, economic and political environment.
• Provide opportunities for reducing women’s isolation.
• Provide education and information.
• Provide non-judgemental support so a woman can define her own healing journey.
• Be responsive to the needs of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Work to ensure community services meet the diverse needs of women.

Erasing Your Tracks Online