Notes
Community organizations: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
Future research / gaps identified: not stated
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) CCIS celebrated 40 years of service to newcomers in Southern Alberta, growing from a small volunteer group to one of Canada’s largest settlement agencies.
2) The organization faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but successfully maintained operations and support for vulnerable clients.
3) CCIS played a crucial role in Canada’s Afghan Resettlement Operation, preparing Calgary as a Port of Entry for over 5,000 Afghan refugees.
4) A new 5-year strategic plan was finalized, focusing on enhancing organizational capacity, service delivery, and client accessibility.
5) CCIS acknowledged the importance of Indigenous experiences in their work and recognized the Treaty 7 territory.
6) The organization participated in the Practitioner Data Initiative to improve data strategies and better respond to immigrant and newcomer needs.
7) Community engagement initiatives, such as the Land of Dreams urban farm project, were highlighted as vital for fostering social connections and food security.
Key populations: newcomers in Calgary
Key recommendations:
1) Enhance organizational capacity: Implement strategies to build the capacity of CCIS to better serve newcomers and respond to increasing immigration numbers.
2) Optimize service delivery: Focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to clients, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of immigrants and refugees.
3) Increase accessibility: Develop initiatives to make services more accessible to all clients, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
4) Strengthen community partnerships: Foster collaborations with local organizations, funders, and community volunteers to enhance support networks for newcomers.
5) Implement data strategies: Continue developing a meaningful data strategy to leverage existing data for program direction, research, and to influence public sector responses to immigrant needs.
6) Acknowledge Indigenous experiences: Integrate understanding and appreciation of Indigenous experiences into service delivery to better serve the community.
7) Focus on mental health and well-being: Address the mental health needs of newcomers, particularly in the context of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts.
