Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Association des femmes immigrantes de l’Outaouais (AFIO) has opened its doors in
Aylmer, offering a new lifeline to immigrant women through a partnership with the Maison
communautaire d’Aylmer and the Partenaires du Secteur Aylmer (PSA). The move comes as
the neighbourhood sees a steady rise in newcomer families and a growing demand for culturally
sensitive support close to home.

Operating out of 61 rue du Couvent, AFIO’s new office brings a range of services directly to
Aylmer residents, from help navigating local resources to psychosocial support and French
language learning. The organization’s executive director, Bettyna Bélizaire, says the expansion
is part of a broader mission to reduce isolation and foster meaningful integration.

“In addition to referring families to local services, we guide them through registration processes,
provide emotional and material support, and offer in-house referrals when needed,” said
Bélizaire. “But more than that, we create spaces where women feel seen and heard.”

Programming is already underway. AFIO hosted its first “Bonjour Aylmer” meeting on July 31, for
Arabic-speaking women recently arrived in the area. The session introduced participants to local
institutions and services, while providing a space to ask questions and build connections with
others navigating similar experiences.

Workshops will follow throughout the summer and fall, including informal French practice
sessions, mental health discussions on stress and depression, and peer-led events by
immigrants with professional expertise. One upcoming session will cover graphic design using
Canva, another will focus on crafting Canadian-style CVs. Sessions will be led by women
who’ve successfully navigated these challenges themselves.

AFIO’s approach is deliberately flexible. “Our workshops evolve with the needs we see,” said
Bélizaire. “We don’t impose a fixed model. If we meet someone with a particular skill or concern,
we build from that.”

Locals familiar with Aylmer’s changing demographics may already recognize some of the
challenges immigrant women face: language barriers that complicate everything from job
searches to school meetings, cultural gaps between generations, and the persistent strain of
financial insecurity. AFIO’s team works to address these with practical solutions: offering
culinary workshops using food bank staples, encouraging volunteerism as a gateway to social
engagement, and improving access to professional resources through targeted referrals.

The organization, now marking its 40th year, has been a key player in supporting immigrant
integration across the Outaouais. Its arrival in Aylmer addresses a clear need in the community
and is backed by a network of dedicated volunteers and local partners. AFIO’s services focus on
immigrant women and many programmes also extend to their families, including spouses and ​
children. This inclusive approach reflects the belief that integration is most successful when it
involves the entire household.

AFIO welcomes walk-ins every Thursday from 8:30 – 4:30 pm. Appointments can also be
scheduled by phone at 819-776-6764 or by email at info@afio.ca .
For Bélizaire, the goal is simple: “We’re building a space of trust, support, and belonging—right
here in the heart of Aylmer.”

Photo: The Association des femmes immigrantes de l’Outaouais has launched a new
community hub in Aylmer to provide immigrant women with direct access to support services,
language workshops, and integration programmes tailored to their needs. (TF) Photo: Courtesy