Please note, this is not an open access database or repository. We have focused on creating simple summaries of reports and articles that we have accessed through websites and academic journals, with a focus on key findings, so that even if a full report is not free to access you can reference it. When possible, we include a link to wherever the original document is hosted (which may or may not be open-access). If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it. There are also some reports that will have been submitted directly to the project. In this case, these reports are uploaded directly with permission from the author or publisher. Any original documents found on this site are stored in Canada on our secure servers

The (un)caring experienced by racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in supportive living: A qualitative study

Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7 supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis. Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living. Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider range of recreation, religious services and food options. Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7 supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis. Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living. Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider range of recreation, religious services and food options.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

All Together Now Program (EMCA) Logic Model

The 2024 updated program logic model for the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association’s All Together Now Program. The 2024 updated program logic model for the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association’s All Together Now Program.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

AIWCC 2022 – 2023 Annual Report

The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Alberta Immigrant Women & Children Centre (AIWCC) showcases a period of significant growth and achievement. Through programs like HIPPY, Youth Program, and Women Empowerment initiatives, the organization empowers newcomers to Edmonton through education, employment, and community engagement. Testimonials from HIPPY mothers reflect high satisfaction rates, with 93% finding the program helpful. The report also highlights achievements in serving children, youth, adults, and seniors, emphasizing the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of clients. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, AIWCC continues to make a positive impact in the lives of immigrants and refugees in Alberta. The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Alberta Immigrant Women & Children Centre (AIWCC) showcases a period of significant growth and achievement. Through programs like HIPPY, Youth Program, and Women Empowerment initiatives, the organization empowers newcomers to Edmonton through education, employment, and community engagement. Testimonials from HIPPY mothers reflect high satisfaction rates, with 93% finding the program helpful. The report also highlights achievements in serving children, youth, adults, and seniors, emphasizing the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of clients. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, AIWCC continues to make a positive impact in the lives of immigrants and refugees in Alberta.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Empowering new beginnings: A holistic evaluation of a community-developed multi-sports program for new-to-Canada refugee youths and its impact on physical literacy, mental wellbeing and social health

Resettlement for refugee youth in Canada presents multifaceted challenges, notably in integrating into existing social structures, including sports and physical activity (PA) programs. Sports and PA programs can play a crucial role in promoting physical and mental well-being, yet refugee youth often face lower participation rates compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of a community-developed multi-sport program, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) multi-sport program, on the physical literacy (PL) development and psychosocial well-being of young refugees in Calgary, AB, Canada. The program aimed to equip refugee youth with the tools to embrace sports and PA opportunities in their new environment, fostering physical well-being and a sense of belonging. A total of 16 refugee youth participants between the ages of 13-19 years old (Mean age = 16.00±1.75, n =14 males) were recruited for this study and were living in temporary housing (M = 1.19 months on arrival) while being assisted by CCIS during their resettlement period. The study employed mixed methods, including the PLAY-basic tool and a modified PLAY-self questionnaire, to assess program effects on various PL domains. Qualitative data from focus group interviews and an ethnographic approach provided further insights into the program’s broader impact on well-being and social health. Resettlement for refugee youth in Canada presents multifaceted challenges, notably in integrating into existing social structures, including sports and physical activity (PA) programs. Sports and PA programs can play a crucial role in promoting physical and mental well-being, yet refugee youth often face lower participation rates compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of a community-developed multi-sport program, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) multi-sport program, on the physical literacy (PL) development and psychosocial well-being of young refugees in Calgary, AB, Canada. The program aimed to equip refugee youth with the tools to embrace sports and PA opportunities in their new environment, fostering physical well-being and a sense of belonging. A total of 16 refugee youth participants between the ages of 13-19 years old (Mean age = 16.00±1.75, n =14 males) were recruited for this study and were living in temporary housing (M = 1.19 months on arrival) while being assisted by CCIS during their resettlement period. The study employed mixed methods, including the PLAY-basic tool and a modified PLAY-self questionnaire, to assess program effects on various PL domains. Qualitative data from focus group interviews and an ethnographic approach provided further insights into the program’s broader impact on well-being and social health.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

All Together Now Program (EMCA) Theory of Change

The Theory of Change for the All Together Now Program of the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association (EMCA). The aim of the program is to empower community leaders (called ‘animators’) from racialized and culturally diverse communities to help develop and strengthen the community. EMCA hopes to build bridges between community members, animators and mainstream stakeholders in the immigrant serving sector. The Theory of Change for the All Together Now Program of the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association (EMCA). The aim of the program is to empower community leaders (called ‘animators’) from racialized and culturally diverse communities to help develop and strengthen the community. EMCA hopes to build bridges between community members, animators and mainstream stakeholders in the immigrant serving sector.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

CCIS 2022 – 2023 Annual Report

The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) highlights a year of impactful initiatives and partnerships aimed at supporting immigrants and refugees in their settlement journey. From innovative projects like the Mindfulness-Based Employment Support (MBES) program to the Build Your Business (BYB) program fostering entrepreneurship, CCIS remains dedicated to empowering newcomers. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CCIS prioritized the mental and emotional well-being of clients, ensuring their success in finding employment and integrating into Canadian society. Through collaboration with funders, partners, and visionary leaders like Fariborz Birjandian, CCIS continues to shape a brighter future for our community. The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) highlights a year of impactful initiatives and partnerships aimed at supporting immigrants and refugees in their settlement journey. From innovative projects like the Mindfulness-Based Employment Support (MBES) program to the Build Your Business (BYB) program fostering entrepreneurship, CCIS remains dedicated to empowering newcomers. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CCIS prioritized the mental and emotional well-being of clients, ensuring their success in finding employment and integrating into Canadian society. Through collaboration with funders, partners, and visionary leaders like Fariborz Birjandian, CCIS continues to shape a brighter future for our community.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

CCIS Annual Report 2021 – 2022

The CCIS Annual Report 2021-2022 highlights the organization’s commitment to empowering immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta. Celebrating 40 years of service, CCIS navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support vulnerable newcomers. The report outlines strategic initiatives, including the Afghan Resettlement Operation and the Land of Dreams urban farm project, which fosters community connection and food security. Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous experiences, CCIS aims to create an inclusive society where all individuals can thrive. The report reflects on achievements, partnerships, and the dedication of staff and volunteers in enhancing settlement services. The CCIS Annual Report 2021-2022 highlights the organization’s commitment to empowering immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta. Celebrating 40 years of service, CCIS navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support vulnerable newcomers. The report outlines strategic initiatives, including the Afghan Resettlement Operation and the Land of Dreams urban farm project, which fosters community connection and food security. Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous experiences, CCIS aims to create an inclusive society where all individuals can thrive. The report reflects on achievements, partnerships, and the dedication of staff and volunteers in enhancing settlement services.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Introducing the Integrated Services Delivery Model (ISDM)

An overview of the new Integrated Services Delivery Model (ISDM) for the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY). IDSM coordinates services from the Connect Team, the Bridge Link Team, and the NEST Teams. An overview of the new Integrated Services Delivery Model (ISDM) for the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY). IDSM coordinates services from the Connect Team, the Bridge Link Team, and the NEST Teams.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Continuing Professional Development for TESOL Instructors Working in Canadian Settlement Language Training Programmes in Alberta

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss continuing professional development (CPD) for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) instructors in the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programme in the province of Alberta, Canada. LINC is a federally funded, tuition-free, basic English language training programme for beginner to intermediate adult learners that is designed to facilitate immigrants’ integration into Canadian society. The Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) Canada Federation and provincial professional associations such as the Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) also organize professional development (PD) activities (e.g., conferences, workshops, webinars). However, these PD activities are typically one-shot events where the learning facilitator determines the learning objectives, but these objectives may not necessarily align with individual instructors’ CPD needs. Over the past decade, groups of LINC instructors with diverse teaching experiences have been participating in researcher-supported professional reading groups as an additional form of informal, situated CPD in Alberta. The group members regularly select and read peer-reviewed articles and meet to discuss articles during unpaid time as a way to address their shared, current CPD needs and goals. They also complete researcher-designed questionnaires and participate in focus group interviews that ask them to reflect on and document the impact that the information in the articles and group discussions had on their professional practices. In these groups, the members reflect on their own practices, and combine one another’s knowledge and experience with the information in the articles to co-create innovative, research-informed solutions to their classroom issues. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss continuing professional development (CPD) for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) instructors in the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programme in the province of Alberta, Canada. LINC is a federally funded, tuition-free, basic English language training programme for beginner to intermediate adult learners that is designed to facilitate immigrants’ integration into Canadian society. The Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) Canada Federation and provincial professional associations such as the Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) also organize professional development (PD) activities (e.g., conferences, workshops, webinars). However, these PD activities are typically one-shot events where the learning facilitator determines the learning objectives, but these objectives may not necessarily align with individual instructors’ CPD needs. Over the past decade, groups of LINC instructors with diverse teaching experiences have been participating in researcher-supported professional reading groups as an additional form of informal, situated CPD in Alberta. The group members regularly select and read peer-reviewed articles and meet to discuss articles during unpaid time as a way to address their shared, current CPD needs and goals. They also complete researcher-designed questionnaires and participate in focus group interviews that ask them to reflect on and document the impact that the information in the articles and group discussions had on their professional practices. In these groups, the members reflect on their own practices, and combine one another’s knowledge and experience with the information in the articles to co-create innovative, research-informed solutions to their classroom issues.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Caring in the context of systems: Service providers perspectives on the mental health needs of newcomer young men

In this study, we applied an intersectional framework to explore service providers’ perspectives on the mental health needs of newcomer young men. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 26 service providers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, Canada. Findings show that service providers made sense of young men’s mental health needs and service access in the context of systems. We identified three interconnected themes: newcomer young men’s senses of self in relation to macrosystems, including racism and economic marginalization; settling well as a determinant of mental health; and systems capacities and interdependent resilience. While service providers are engaged in cross-sectoral work in support of newcomer young men’s mental health, this work is not being sufficiently supported. Further work is needed around cross-sector capacity bridging and advocacy, as well as the tailoring of services to young men without the assumption and reinforcement of gender stereotypes. In this study, we applied an intersectional framework to explore service providers’ perspectives on the mental health needs of newcomer young men. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 26 service providers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, Canada. Findings show that service providers made sense of young men’s mental health needs and service access in the context of systems. We identified three interconnected themes: newcomer young men’s senses of self in relation to macrosystems, including racism and economic marginalization; settling well as a determinant of mental health; and systems capacities and interdependent resilience. While service providers are engaged in cross-sectoral work in support of newcomer young men’s mental health, this work is not being sufficiently supported. Further work is needed around cross-sector capacity bridging and advocacy, as well as the tailoring of services to young men without the assumption and reinforcement of gender stereotypes.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly