Research Library

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This evaluation plan provides a basic framework and steps for assessing the new immigrant service programs conducted at ASSIST Community Services Center and AHC (Action for Healthy Community) in Edmonton. It includes important and typical indicators as examples. The plan primarily applies the Impact Evaluation Process theory (Guerra-López & Toker, 2007) and a program logic model to design and plan the evaluation. The goal is to conduct these assessment steps to provide applicable suggestions or updates for these programs. This will help improve new immigrant settlement programs, enabling them to better address existing and upcoming challenges and optimize their outcomes as expected. This evaluation plan provides a basic framework and steps for assessing the new immigrant service programs conducted at ASSIST Community Services Center and AHC (Action for Healthy Community) in Edmonton. It includes important and typical indicators as examples. The plan primarily applies the Impact Evaluation Process theory (Guerra-López & Toker, 2007) and a program logic model to design and plan the evaluation. The goal is to conduct these assessment steps to provide applicable suggestions or updates for these programs. This will help improve new immigrant settlement programs, enabling them to better address existing and upcoming challenges and optimize their outcomes as expected.
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The Jasper Local Immigration Partnership’s (JLIP) vision is a welcoming and inclusive Jasper where immigrants and refugees participate fully in the social, economic, cultural and political life of the community. JLIP focuses on bringing stakeholders together for better solutions, community-based research and consultation, and improved service coordination. The 8 areas in the JLIP strategy are discussed, as well as the progress JLIP as made thus far. The Jasper Local Immigration Partnership’s (JLIP) vision is a welcoming and inclusive Jasper where immigrants and refugees participate fully in the social, economic, cultural and political life of the community. JLIP focuses on bringing stakeholders together for better solutions, community-based research and consultation, and improved service coordination. The 8 areas in the JLIP strategy are discussed, as well as the progress JLIP as made thus far.
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As Canada and other high-income countries continue to welcome newcomers, this study aimed to 1) understand newcomer parents’ attitudes towards routine-childhood vaccinations (RCVs), and 2) identify barriers newcomer parents face when accessing RCVs in Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton and High River). Overall, parents in the focus groups were motivated and willing to vaccinate their children but experienced several barriers related to their capability and opportunity to access RCVs. Five main themes emerged: 1) lack of reputable information about RCVs, 2) language barriers when looking for information and asking questions about RCVs, 3) lack of access to a primary care provider (PCP), 4) lack of affordable and convenient transportation options, and 5) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of available vaccine appointments. The findings highlight that several barriers faced by newcomer families ultimately stem from issues related to accessing information about RCVs and the challenges families face once at vaccination clinics, highlighting opportunities for health systems to better support newcomers in accessing RCVs. As Canada and other high-income countries continue to welcome newcomers, this study aimed to 1) understand newcomer parents’ attitudes towards routine-childhood vaccinations (RCVs), and 2) identify barriers newcomer parents face when accessing RCVs in Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton and High River). Overall, parents in the focus groups were motivated and willing to vaccinate their children but experienced several barriers related to their capability and opportunity to access RCVs. Five main themes emerged: 1) lack of reputable information about RCVs, 2) language barriers when looking for information and asking questions about RCVs, 3) lack of access to a primary care provider (PCP), 4) lack of affordable and convenient transportation options, and 5) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of available vaccine appointments. The findings highlight that several barriers faced by newcomer families ultimately stem from issues related to accessing information about RCVs and the challenges families face once at vaccination clinics, highlighting opportunities for health systems to better support newcomers in accessing RCVs.
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The EMCN Community Report 2022-2023 highlights the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers’ efforts in empowering immigrants and refugees in Edmonton through a range of services and programs. The report showcases initiatives like the Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools and Rainbow Refuge programs, emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and advocacy. By sharing success stories, donor contributions, and program outcomes, EMCN demonstrates its commitment to supporting newcomers facing challenges. The report also underscores the organization’s partnerships, innovative approaches, and celebration of immigrant achievements, reflecting its mission to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all residents in Edmonton. The EMCN Community Report 2022-2023 highlights the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers’ efforts in empowering immigrants and refugees in Edmonton through a range of services and programs. The report showcases initiatives like the Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools and Rainbow Refuge programs, emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and advocacy. By sharing success stories, donor contributions, and program outcomes, EMCN demonstrates its commitment to supporting newcomers facing challenges. The report also underscores the organization’s partnerships, innovative approaches, and celebration of immigrant achievements, reflecting its mission to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all residents in Edmonton.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly