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A donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is aiding newcomers to Canada in re-establishing their careers. The church has contributed CAD$300,000 (US$220,000) to Windmill Microlending (WM), an organization that supports immigrants and refugees in obtaining professional re-credentialing. This financial support will assist at least 60 individuals in pursuing careers aligned with their training and integrating into the Canadian workforce.
Leeja, originally from India, exemplifies the impact of this initiative. Despite 15 years of nursing experience, she faced challenges continuing her career in Canada. With support from Windmill, Leeja is now a registered nurse in Calgary.
Sandy Marett, national director of WM philanthropy and campaigns, highlighted the obstacles skilled immigrants face: “For many newcomers to Canada, like Leeja, the journey to professional success is filled with unexpected roadblocks. Despite arriving with training and years of experience, systemic barriers can prevent skilled immigrants from working in their trained professions.”
Windmill Microlending provides microloans up to CAD$15,000 (US$11,000) for skilled immigrants and refugees. These loans enable clients to obtain necessary Canadian licensing or training for employment matching their education and skills.
The collaboration between the Church and WM reflects a shared mission: empowering communities through education and employment by supporting newcomers.
“These loans become more than a monetary opportunity,” said Elder James E. Evanson, General Authority Seventy. “They give individuals a chance to share their talents, potential and gifts with all of us.”
WM was inspired by Dr. Maria Eriksen's compassion for internationally educated professionals unable to work in their fields due to credential recognition issues. Since its founding as the Immigrant Access Fund, WM has supported over 14,000 newcomers with more than 2,600 loans granted this year alone.
The average client sees income triple within a few years as they transition from survival jobs to careers they were trained for. Loans primarily support high-demand professionals such as dentists (33%), physicians (14%), pharmacists (10%), nurses (5%), and lawyers (4%).
Examples include Yasemin from Turkey studying law at the University of Toronto; Teleola from Nigeria working toward becoming a licensed pharmacist; Omar from Jordan aiming for legal re-credentialing; Sarah from the Philippines pursuing pharmacy licensure in Alberta.
With a loan repayment rate of 95%, Windmill’s model allows funds to be reused for future borrowers. The Church’s donation could potentially benefit many more newcomers over time.
Elder Patrick Kearon emphasized supporting refugees: “Let us come out from our safe places...hope for a brighter future...love that sees beyond cultural differences.” This partnership aligns with that vision — fostering an environment where everyone can thrive regardless of origin.
