Who we are

SOFIFRAN is a non-profit community organization founded in 2007 by Francophone immigrant women who live in the Niagara region and come from many parts of the world. Its purpose is to walk alongside women and their families as they settle into life in Niagara, by offering social, economic, educational and cultural services. Years of experience, reflection and hands-on work in the community have shown SOFIFRAN’s members how important and how necessary their work is, and what a difference it makes for newcomers here. They continue to seek greater support from communities, partners and institutions.

Our history

In March 2006, seven Francophone immigrant women from different regions and faiths, all living in the Niagara region, came together to identify their most pressing needs. After several gatherings, they saw an urgent need for a platform that would represent them, support them and organize social, cultural, economic and educational activities suited to their community. That is how Sofifran (Solidarité des Femmes Immigrantes Francophones du Niagara) came to life on December 11, 2007. Its first mission was to promote the social, economic, educational and cultural development of Francophone immigrant women living in the Niagara region.

On December 5, 2010, Sofifran’s mission and mandate were broadened to include Francophone immigrant families in Niagara, so the organization could better meet the needs of this community.

At its 2018 annual general meeting, the members decided to replace the word “immigrant” with “interconnected”, a word that better reflects how far Sofifran’s partnerships now reach, across Niagara and across Ontario. Since then, SOFIFRAN has stood for Solidarité des Femmes et Familles Interconnectées Francophones du Niagara. Thanks to the commitment of its volunteers, Sofifran designs, develops, organizes and delivers projects that answer the specific, current needs of the Francophone immigrant community in Niagara.

Mission

SOFIFRAN is a Francophone platform that promotes the participation of immigrants in economic and social life, while helping them flourish artistically and culturally so they can settle more fully into life in Canada.

Mandate

To bring together, recognize, promote, represent and make good use of the skills of Francophone immigrant women in Niagara and Hamilton, and to support them in their social, economic, educational and cultural development, so they can take charge of their own lives and care for their families.

Our goals

• Break the isolation of Francophone immigrant women in Niagara and their families through social and cultural activities;
• Fight poverty and unemployment among Francophone immigrants by helping them build the skills employers look for;
• Strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity;
• Help Francophone immigrant women gain the organizational independence they need to care well for their families;
• Promote the art and craft work of Francophone immigrant women and their family members;
• Organize activities that bring together the many Francophone communities on one hand, and the wider host community on the other.

Our areas of work

Social support

SOFIFRAN’s Social support area works alongside Francophone immigrants in Niagara to strengthen their well-being and help them settle in. It offers inclusive activities and services that break isolation and build stronger community ties. The goal is to create solid networks that everyone can reach. This work carries SOFIFRAN’s broader mission forward by contributing to a fairer, more caring society.

Economic development

SOFIFRAN’s Economic development area supports the social and economic integration of immigrants by helping them reach financial independence. It offers workshops and hands-on training that build entrepreneurial skills. Immigrant women and Black communities in Niagara receive particular attention. Targeted projects encourage people to start their own businesses, especially in home child care.

Education

SOFIFRAN’s Education area walks with immigrant communities as they settle in, through practical and enriching activities. Workshops cover essential topics such as budgeting, healthy eating, family law and community involvement. The program also encourages volunteering and sports as a way to stay socially engaged. These initiatives build participants’ skills and make it easier to adapt to life in their new home.

Culture

SOFIFRAN’s Culture area celebrates the diversity of immigrant communities through inclusive events that bring people together. It showcases Francophone traditions, music, food and literature through festivals, workshops and the Salon du livre SAFRAN. These activities strengthen ties between cultures and let communities keep and share their heritage. Highlights include Festiv’Ébène, the Niagara Folk Arts Festival, Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day.