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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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
Domestic or intimate partner violence among African immigrant populations in Western communities, particularly Canada, remains an overlooked public health issue. African immigrant women face compounded challenges, including social isolation, language barriers, unemployment, financial dependence, and legal obstacles, increasing their vulnerability to abuse. With the rise in scholarship exploring the incidence and prevalence of domestic violence, the specific experiences of African immigrant women remain underexplored. This qualitative study
investigates West African immigrant women’s perceptions and experiences of domestic violence in
Alberta, Canada, focusing on definitions, coping strategies, and the influence of patriarchy, culture, and immigration on their responses to violence. Using a radical feminist, intersectional and Gender Relations Theory in the African Context, the study examines the ways in which power and resources are distributed between men and women in society, while also acknowledging how the power imbalances compounded by culture, patriarchal ideologies, structure, racial, and immigration factors, shape these women’s vulnerability to partner violence. Domestic or intimate partner violence among African immigrant populations in Western communities, particularly Canada, remains an overlooked public health issue. African immigrant women face compounded challenges, including social isolation, language barriers, unemployment, financial dependence, and legal obstacles, increasing their vulnerability to abuse. With the rise in scholarship exploring the incidence and prevalence of domestic violence, the specific experiences of African immigrant women remain underexplored. This qualitative study
investigates West African immigrant women’s perceptions and experiences of domestic violence in
Alberta, Canada, focusing on definitions, coping strategies, and the influence of patriarchy, culture, and immigration on their responses to violence. Using a radical feminist, intersectional and Gender Relations Theory in the African Context, the study examines the ways in which power and resources are distributed between men and women in society, while also acknowledging how the power imbalances compounded by culture, patriarchal ideologies, structure, racial, and immigration factors, shape these women’s vulnerability to partner violence.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Older adults who lack a secure sense of social belonging may report loneliness, isolation, and ostracization in their communities. Little attention has been paid to the perceptions of social belonging among immigrant Muslim older (IMO) women. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring IMO women’s experiences of social belonging. This qualitative descriptive study used photo elicitation and narrative interviewing to draw on the experiences of 14 IMO women living in Edmonton, AB, Canada. An integrative framework of social belonging was used to guide theoretical conceptualizations of what comprises belonging, and a thematic analysis approach was used to highlight factors and influences that shape how participants have constructed their experiences of belonging. The findings suggest that a sense of belonging is influenced by feelings of loneliness and loss, opportunities for community engagement, and social competencies related to maintaining family relationships. Additionally, the findings indicate the importance of IMO women’s perceptions and reflections on aging as these shape their sense of belonging. These findings not only provide insight into the intricate and shifting nature of belonging but also emphasize the need for structural support to benefit both IMO women and the communities they reside in. Cultivating belonging is a collective responsibility involving older women, their social networks, and society at large, including government and public services. A sense of belonging is crucial to counter ageism and promote positive self-perceptions of aging, particularly within ethnocultural communities. Older adults who lack a secure sense of social belonging may report loneliness, isolation, and ostracization in their communities. Little attention has been paid to the perceptions of social belonging among immigrant Muslim older (IMO) women. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring IMO women’s experiences of social belonging. This qualitative descriptive study used photo elicitation and narrative interviewing to draw on the experiences of 14 IMO women living in Edmonton, AB, Canada. An integrative framework of social belonging was used to guide theoretical conceptualizations of what comprises belonging, and a thematic analysis approach was used to highlight factors and influences that shape how participants have constructed their experiences of belonging. The findings suggest that a sense of belonging is influenced by feelings of loneliness and loss, opportunities for community engagement, and social competencies related to maintaining family relationships. Additionally, the findings indicate the importance of IMO women’s perceptions and reflections on aging as these shape their sense of belonging. These findings not only provide insight into the intricate and shifting nature of belonging but also emphasize the need for structural support to benefit both IMO women and the communities they reside in. Cultivating belonging is a collective responsibility involving older women, their social networks, and society at large, including government and public services. A sense of belonging is crucial to counter ageism and promote positive self-perceptions of aging, particularly within ethnocultural communities.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children’s oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling. A convenience sample of first-generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2–12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child’s oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children’s dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. A total of 336 families participated in this study. The findings emphasize the important role of parental acculturation and PSS levels in predicting immigrant children’s oral health behaviours and dental caries. A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children’s oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling. A convenience sample of first-generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2–12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child’s oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children’s dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. A total of 336 families participated in this study. The findings emphasize the important role of parental acculturation and PSS levels in predicting immigrant children’s oral health behaviours and dental caries.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The Rainbow Refuge, part of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, has put Edmonton on the map as a safe and supportive city for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees. Rainbow Refuge provides counselling, legal services, housing, employment and community, but with only 3 staff and limited funding, the program is struggling. Members have tripled in the past year, where the program now serves more than 600 people from over 60 countries. Stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees are also shared in the article. The Rainbow Refuge, part of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, has put Edmonton on the map as a safe and supportive city for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees. Rainbow Refuge provides counselling, legal services, housing, employment and community, but with only 3 staff and limited funding, the program is struggling. Members have tripled in the past year, where the program now serves more than 600 people from over 60 countries. Stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees are also shared in the article.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
A comprehensive guide to all the services and programs offered by the Edmonton Newcomer Centre (formerly called the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers) as of Spring 2024. A comprehensive guide to all the services and programs offered by the Edmonton Newcomer Centre (formerly called the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers) as of Spring 2024.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Although older refugees have similar characteristics and vulnerabilities as other populations that have benefited from visual methods (e.g. photography, art, filmmaking), there is scarce evidence of these methods being used for qualitative social work studies with older refugees. In this article, we discuss the application of visual methods for social work research with older refugees for a better understanding of their experiences and challenges. We conclude by presenting a discourse on how visual methods can advance social work knowledge for practice and social change. Although older refugees have similar characteristics and vulnerabilities as other populations that have benefited from visual methods (e.g. photography, art, filmmaking), there is scarce evidence of these methods being used for qualitative social work studies with older refugees. In this article, we discuss the application of visual methods for social work research with older refugees for a better understanding of their experiences and challenges. We conclude by presenting a discourse on how visual methods can advance social work knowledge for practice and social change.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
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
A guide to the laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people in various countries around the globe, including a list of the laws by country, as well as world maps indicating countries by type of offense criminalized and sentence type. Important resource to provide context for those working with LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, as well as newcomers with LGBTQ+ children. A guide to the laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people in various countries around the globe, including a list of the laws by country, as well as world maps indicating countries by type of offense criminalized and sentence type. Important resource to provide context for those working with LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, as well as newcomers with LGBTQ+ children.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
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
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
