We’re becoming an independent non-profit!

Dear friends, 

We’re excited to be embarking on an exciting new journey together! After 9 years of being hosted by our friends at Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), Refugee 613 is becoming an independent non-profit organization.

Thank you for believing in our mission to welcome refugees and other newcomers to Canada with the information and services they need to thrive. We couldn’t have grown into Canada’s leader in migration communications without your advocacy, friendship and support. 

Please read our joint statement with OCISO below. Our team is excited to share more updates with you in the new year – stay tuned!

 

Joint Statement 

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)  and Refugee 613 

We are excited to share an important update regarding the evolving relationship between OCISO and Refugee 613. 

Refugee 613 was founded in 2015 by a large network of organizations in the settlement,  sponsorship, faith, health and legal sectors to help coordinate and mobilize refugee welcome in Ottawa. At the time, OCISO generously stepped up to host this new initiative, and it has  provided crucial administrative, legal and financial services ever since. This partnership has played a key role in helping Refugee 613 grow into an important community asset, and we are  proud of all that we’ve accomplished together. 

As a natural step to this growth, the two organizations have mutually agreed that it is time for Refugee 613 to become independent. Refugee 613 has registered as an independent non-profit organization with a separate Board of Directors. As of April 1, 2025, Refugee 613 will no longer  be hosted by OCISO and will operate from a new location in Ottawa, details of which will be shared by Refugee 613 in the coming months.  

“Refugee 613 is deeply grateful to OCISO for being such a supportive home and partner,” says  Louisa Taylor, Director of Refugee 613. “We would not have grown into Canada’s leader in  migration communications without that solid foundation. Refugee 613 has always managed its  own programming, and we are now ready to operate independently as we build on the success we’ve had with OCISO.” 

"OCISO is proud to have played a pivotal role in supporting Refugee 613 from its inception to its  current status as an independent organization," says Mary Roman, Chief Executive Officer of OCISO. “OCISO has long championed the growth of multiple organizations including Refugee 613, and this transition highlights their remarkable development into an independent entity in migration. We are confident that Refugee 613 will continue to make a significant and lasting  impact in the community.”

In the lead-up to March 31, 2025, the two organizations are working together to ensure a smooth transition. OCISO will continue to manage most financial functions on Refugee 613’s behalf, including receiving funds and making payments related to existing agreements. Charitable donations for Refugee 613 will also continue to be received by OCISO until Refugee 613 completes the registration and establishment of its own system, no later than March 31, 2025. Starting April 1, 2025, Refugee 613 will assume full responsibility for managing its funding contracts and administrative functions. Refugee 613 programs and operations will continue as they are, and staff will share updates as needed in the coming months. 

This transition is not the end of our collaboration, just a new phase. Both organizations remain committed to working together on shared community initiatives, and we will continue our joint  projects until March 31, 2025. 

We look forward to this next chapter and to the continued success of both OCISO and Refugee 613 in making a positive impact on our community and beyond. 

For more information:  

Mary Roman  
CEO, OCISO 

Louisa Taylor 
Director, Refugee 613
louisa@refugee613.ca