CÉSOC Unveils New Work Ready Program
October 31, 2025Cornwall, Ontario – Following the inauguration of its new offices in Cornwall, the Centre for Settlement, Support and Community Guidance (CÉSOC) officially launched its Employability – Work Ready (PWR) program. This large-scale program aims to promote the sustainable professional integration of Francophone and bilingual immigrants and newcomers in Ottawa, Cornwall, and throughout Eastern Ontario.
Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities, the program benefits from multi-year funding and is part of CÉSOC’s commitment to strengthening the Francophone presence and vitality in the region’s workplaces.
The program also targets employers, offering them:
- support for the recruitment and integration of Francophone and bilingual workers;
- sustainable partnerships to meet talent needs;
- awareness-raising initiatives on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Furthermore, as part of this initiative, CÉSOC is launching a pilot project in Cornwall for newly arrived Francophone women of color. This project offers culturally appropriate support, training cohorts, and professional networking opportunities to foster their independence and access to stable employment.
CÉSOC relies on a vast network of community, institutional, and economic partners to deliver integrated and effective services.
“This program perfectly illustrates CÉSOC’s work: supporting every Francophone individual on their path to sustainable employment and contributing to the prosperity of communities,” emphasizes Saint-Phard Désir, Executive Director of CÉSOC.
“Thanks to the collaboration of ESDC and our regional partners, Prêt pour l’Emploi acts as a true catalyst for economic and social development,” adds Diane Coudé, Chair of the Board of Directors.
About CÉSOC
CÉSOC is a non-profit community organization located in Eastern Ontario. A true hub for Francophone immigration, it fosters the successful integration of newcomers through tailored, supportive, and inclusive services. Its mandate is to promote diversity and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community through its partnerships and local initiatives.
The organization recently established new offices at 201 Montreal Road in Cornwall.
For more information, contact Emilienne Mondo at 613-800-1767 ext 347 or visit CÉSOC online at www.cesoc.ca
This article is one of many success stories featured in the 2025 Year in Review report.