There’s a new Program Director at Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS), and she brings with her not only years of experience but a deep personal connection to the newcomer journey.
Olesja Shwabauer officially stepped into her role as Program Director in February 2025, but her work in immigration services spans well over a decade, and across continents.
Originally from Germany, Olesja immigrated to Canada in 2007. Since then, she has been dedicated to supporting newcomers in southern Manitoba communities like Winkler, Morden, and Altona. Her move to Steinbach in October 2024 marked a new chapter, both personally and professionally.
“This is just what I’ve always done,” she says. “I worked with immigrants in Germany before moving to Canada, and after I got here, I continued that work. Helping people settle, feel at home, and succeed is something I’m very passionate about.”
Passion for people has shaped her career.
After working with the Eastern Region Immigration Partnership (ERIP), Shwabauer transitioned into her current role with EIS. Now, she’s not just helping with front-line services—she’s leading the team, guiding programs, managing budgets, and shaping the future of immigrant support in the Eastman region.
“It’s a big shift,” she says of the leadership role. “Now I’m making sure everything runs smoothly—grants, staffing, and helping the team understand how we can be more successful in providing services.”
But while her role may have expanded, her heart remains in the same place: with the people.
“First of all, you stand for your staff. Then you see the organization grow,” she says. “And at the end of the day, it’s still about helping people, our clients, our newcomers, feel supported, understood, and ready for their new life in Canada.”
Outside of the office, Shwabauer is already settling into Steinbach life with her family. She appreciates the welcoming feel of the community and is excited to connect with more local residents through upcoming events and outreach.
Whether it’s launching new settlement information sessions, hosting kids’ activities at community events like Manitoba Day, or helping families navigate the Canadian school system, Shwabauer is ready to bring fresh energy and deep experience to EIS.
“I know what it’s like to be new here,” she says. “And I know how much it means to have someone willing to help.”
What’s Coming Up at EIS
Shwabauer shared that EIS will soon be launching monthly settlement information sessions.
“We’ll be starting with CRA, MPI, and hopefully get someone to talk about health and finances—like how to build a healthy credit history,” she said.
They also hope to partner with local authorities, like the RCMP and Steinbach's Bylaw officer, to help newcomers understand important local rules and systems.
“We’ll contact the Steinbach bylaw officer and the police, just to explain how things work around here,” she said. “Even things like not passing a school bus when it’s flashing lights, stuff that can be really unfamiliar to someone new here.”
The SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools) team will be heavily involved in these sessions too, focusing on helping families navigate the Canadian school system.
“A lot of newcomers don’t really understand the school system, even after 10 years,” she said. “We want to help them know how it works here—report cards, fundraisers, even what it means when your kid comes home and says, ‘Mom, I have to sell cookies.’”
She laughed, adding, “It’s a whole different world, and we have so many examples.”
Mark Your Calendar for Manitoba Day
Looking ahead, EIS is getting ready for Manitoba Day celebrations at the Mennonite Heritage Village on May 10.
“We’ll have our table set up with face painting, a balloon artist, and lots of exciting activities for kids,” Shwabauer said with a smile.
Local Canadian Tire supports SWIS kids with new bikes
EIS is also celebrating a recent win as their SWIS program was approved for the Jumpstart Program through Canadian Tire.
“We’ll be giving out bikes to a couple of families, and they’ll be taught by the police and MPI. They’ll go through all the safety training, and at the end, they get a bike and a helmet,” she shared.
From practical help to joyful celebrations, Shwabauer’s approach to her work is simple and heartfelt: help people feel at home.
“This is what I love,” she said. “Helping people succeed—not just the newcomers, but our staff too. When they grow, the whole organization grows.”