About LASSA
LASSA is a settlement and social services agency that started in 1989 by concerned Canadians as a response to persons experiencing forced departure as a result of internecine strife in war torn Near Eastern countries. The agency was officially incorporated June 4th, 1993 as a non-profit organization (Corporation Number 291041-1 issued by Industry Canada-Corporations Canada). LASSA is registered as a charitable organization (number 135253508RR0001 issued by Charities Directorate-Canada Revenue Agency).
Our Mission
LASSA strives to provide the highest quality services to facilitate and expedite the settlement and integration of new Canadians in general and Arabic-speaking ones in particular.
Our objective is to operate a social services agency which will assist in:
- Settlement, orientation, education and integration of Lebanese and Arabic-speaking immigrants into the Canadian community
- Providing all necessary social services in furtherance thereof
- Fostering and promoting an understanding, learning and appreciation for the Arabic language, traditions, and diverse cultures amongst Canadian Society.
- Promoting and supporting humanitarian and charitable causes amongst all members of the Canadian community.
In collaboration with community partners and government services, we are always in the process of developing and improving integration tools and resources that effectively support our clients in receiving timely and relevant services that meet their needs and facilitate the access of available services.
There is no cost to receive our in-house services. However some fees may apply in accessing third party services. Respecting and maintaining confidentiality of our clients’ information is highly important to us and we strive to provide a welcoming environment to all members of the community without any discrimination.
To increase service efficiency and versatility, we currently provide services in the following languages:
- Arabic
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Armenian
Current List of Executives
LASSA’s Team
LASSA’s Partners
Current List of Executives
President: | Ms. Rita Chalabi |
Vice President: | Mr. Samih Khairallah |
Treasurer: | Mr. Imad Radi |
Director: | Mr. Fadi Rizk |
Executive Director: | Mr. Fred Awada |
Secretary: | Ms. Asma Kabbara |
LASSA’s Team
Our team is made up of dedicated and experienced professionals seeking the best interest of the clients and maintaining high levels of confidentiality including abidance to PIPEDA* ; LASSA abides by legislation respecting and safeguarding equity and access, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Staff Name | Position | Ext. | |
Fred Awada | Executive Director | fawada@lassa.ca | 222 |
Marguerite Saliba | FCR Program Delivery Support | msaliba@lassa.ca | 228 |
Naim Assemani | NSP Social Services Counsellor (Daytime Services 9am-3pm / Call: 613-286-7357) | nassemani@lassa.ca | |
Rita Attieh | Settlement Counsellor with focus on Citizenship Development | rita@lassa.ca | 226 |
Maral Boudakian | Foreign Credentials Recognition Officer | mboudakian@lassa.ca | 225 |
Rania Ibrahim | Settlement Counsellor (Evening services 4pm – 9pm / Call: 343-254 3111) | ribrahim@lassa.ca | |
Samia Ben Salah | Job Search Workshop Facilitator / Employment Counsellor | sbsalah@lassa.ca | 229 |
Daline Ayoub | Administrative Assistant | dayoub@lassa.ca | 221 |
(*) PIPEDA: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. A Canadian law relating to data privacy
LASSA’s Partners
Local Agencies Serving Immigrants (LASI) Coalition:
- Catholic Centre for Immigrants – CCI
- Immigrant Woman Services Ottawa – IWSO
- Jewish Family Services of Ottawa – JFS
- Somali Centre for Family Services – SCFS
- World Skills Employment Center
- Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre – OCCSC
- Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization – OCISO
- Economic and Social Council of Ottawa-Carleton – CESOC
- YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
- La Cité
- Ottawa Community Loan Fund – OCLF