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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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

Health in HIPPY homes: Exploring women’s experiences of gender, motherhood and social support as determinants of health during refugee resettlement in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Thousands of refugee families are resettled across Canada each year, and many must navigate parenthood while simultaneously contending with resettlement challenges. Refugee women are primarily responsible for care work yet often face disproportionate barriers to information, resources, and access to health services. We leveraged a community-engaged research approach with several project partners to: i) explore the scope, nature, and extent of literature examining the influence of gender norms, roles, and expectations on health and wellbeing during resettlement; ii) explore women’s diverse conceptualizations of health and what it means to be healthy; iii) identify barriers and resilience factors for health and wellbeing during resettlement, including in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; iv) explore women’s experiences of gender as a determinant of health during resettlement, specifically in the context of motherhood; and v) explore the role of participation in Multicultural Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), a home visiting program, in promoting health during resettlement. We conducted a scoping review, followed by surveys, in-depth interviews, and collage-building with refugee mothers (n=28) enrolled in the HIPPY program delivered by the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. Data were analyzed using a participatory inductive deductive thematic analysis. Our findings establish gender roles, norms, and expectations as important determinants of health, mediating experiences of other social determinants of health during resettlement. Participation in HIPPY promoted wellbeing during resettlement and the COVID-19 pandemic by mitigating social isolation and improving women’s access to information and resources for health and parenting in Canada. Thousands of refugee families are resettled across Canada each year, and many must navigate parenthood while simultaneously contending with resettlement challenges. Refugee women are primarily responsible for care work yet often face disproportionate barriers to information, resources, and access to health services. We leveraged a community-engaged research approach with several project partners to: i) explore the scope, nature, and extent of literature examining the influence of gender norms, roles, and expectations on health and wellbeing during resettlement; ii) explore women’s diverse conceptualizations of health and what it means to be healthy; iii) identify barriers and resilience factors for health and wellbeing during resettlement, including in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; iv) explore women’s experiences of gender as a determinant of health during resettlement, specifically in the context of motherhood; and v) explore the role of participation in Multicultural Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), a home visiting program, in promoting health during resettlement. We conducted a scoping review, followed by surveys, in-depth interviews, and collage-building with refugee mothers (n=28) enrolled in the HIPPY program delivered by the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. Data were analyzed using a participatory inductive deductive thematic analysis. Our findings establish gender roles, norms, and expectations as important determinants of health, mediating experiences of other social determinants of health during resettlement. Participation in HIPPY promoted wellbeing during resettlement and the COVID-19 pandemic by mitigating social isolation and improving women’s access to information and resources for health and parenting in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Pathways to success: A narrative inquiry into the settlement and integration experiences of refugees from Ethiopia in Canada

This study explored pathways to success through a narrative inquiry into the settlement and integration experiences of refugees from Ethiopia living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The study filled an important gap in information that accounted for success by refugees, although there was ample evidence regarding the structural challenges faced by all groups of newcomers in Canada. The end-goal was to develop a deeper understanding into how adult learning could be tailored to meet the needs of refugees and possibly other groups of newcomers. The theoretical frameworks that guided this study included insights about the role of agency, structure, and lifelong learning primarily through the scholarly contributions by Pierre Bourdieu, Anthony Giddens, and Peter Jarvis. Additionally, the study included insights by multiple scholars who explored the settlement and integration experiences of newcomers in Canada. The narrative data was collected through conversational interviews with the participants. Afterwards, the data was transcribed, analyzed, and stored in consideration of ethical practices. The study revealed multiple perspectives on the meaning of success based on insights shared by the participants. This study explored pathways to success through a narrative inquiry into the settlement and integration experiences of refugees from Ethiopia living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The study filled an important gap in information that accounted for success by refugees, although there was ample evidence regarding the structural challenges faced by all groups of newcomers in Canada. The end-goal was to develop a deeper understanding into how adult learning could be tailored to meet the needs of refugees and possibly other groups of newcomers. The theoretical frameworks that guided this study included insights about the role of agency, structure, and lifelong learning primarily through the scholarly contributions by Pierre Bourdieu, Anthony Giddens, and Peter Jarvis. Additionally, the study included insights by multiple scholars who explored the settlement and integration experiences of newcomers in Canada. The narrative data was collected through conversational interviews with the participants. Afterwards, the data was transcribed, analyzed, and stored in consideration of ethical practices. The study revealed multiple perspectives on the meaning of success based on insights shared by the participants.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Heterogeneity in immigrants’ municipal engagement and participation in Calgary

Canadian political science has a long history of studying elections at the provincial and federal levels, but there is a gap in studying municipal elections. Additionally, Canadian political science has some interest in studying immigrant participation in provincial and federal elections, but more research on immigrant involvement in municipal elections is required. The limited research on immigrant voting behaviour also combines immigrant communities into homogeneous groups for research purposes, which does not allow for a nuanced understanding of immigrant communities. Canadian political science, therefore, needs more research regarding immigrant participation in municipal government, engagement in local elections, and the differences among immigrant communities. My research addresses these gaps in 3 ways. First, I explore the differences between immigrant and non-immigrant groups in Calgary to establish potential differences in their levels of interest and attention to municipal politics. I then address the differences among immigrant communities when it comes to their engagement with municipal governments and their participation in local elections. I then turn to potential policy implications that could help immigrant communities engage with local government and elections. Canadian political science has a long history of studying elections at the provincial and federal levels, but there is a gap in studying municipal elections. Additionally, Canadian political science has some interest in studying immigrant participation in provincial and federal elections, but more research on immigrant involvement in municipal elections is required. The limited research on immigrant voting behaviour also combines immigrant communities into homogeneous groups for research purposes, which does not allow for a nuanced understanding of immigrant communities. Canadian political science, therefore, needs more research regarding immigrant participation in municipal government, engagement in local elections, and the differences among immigrant communities. My research addresses these gaps in 3 ways. First, I explore the differences between immigrant and non-immigrant groups in Calgary to establish potential differences in their levels of interest and attention to municipal politics. I then address the differences among immigrant communities when it comes to their engagement with municipal governments and their participation in local elections. I then turn to potential policy implications that could help immigrant communities engage with local government and elections.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

YYC Airport Services for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs)

The YYC Airport Services for TFWs Program launched on October 1, 2022, to be the first point of contact for TFWs and other migrant workers arriving at Calgary’s International Airport before destining to their place of employment. The program utilized a service delivery model that focused on airport reception, client outreach, and parternship development. This report provides a summary of project activities and evaluative findings gathered from October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024. The YYC Airport Services for TFWs Program launched on October 1, 2022, to be the first point of contact for TFWs and other migrant workers arriving at Calgary’s International Airport before destining to their place of employment. The program utilized a service delivery model that focused on airport reception, client outreach, and parternship development. This report provides a summary of project activities and evaluative findings gathered from October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Prairie Community Supports for Temporary Foreign Workers Program

The Prairie Community Supports for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program launched October 1, 2022, and is the continuation of the TFW Prairie Region Support Project. The program goal is to deliver a coordinated and collaborative approach to support migrant workers/TFWs across the Prairie Provinces. This report provides a summary of evaluative findings for this program from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024. The Prairie Community Supports for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program launched October 1, 2022, and is the continuation of the TFW Prairie Region Support Project. The program goal is to deliver a coordinated and collaborative approach to support migrant workers/TFWs across the Prairie Provinces. This report provides a summary of evaluative findings for this program from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Mental health and well-being of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta, Canada

The aim of this study was to delve into the experiences of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta and the ensuing impact on mental health. Employing an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 African immigrant women living in Lethbridge or Calgary, AB. Thematic analysis revealed that these women encountered intersecting challenges in Canada stemming from factors such as race, gender, social class, and immigration status, leading to negative effects on their mental health. Nevertheless, the participants employed various coping strategies to alleviate these challenges, with culture playing a significant role in shaping perceptions and coping mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of implementing culturally safe programs by stakeholders, policy makers, and mental health practitioners to facilitate the successful transition and integration of African Immigrant women into their new environment. The aim of this study was to delve into the experiences of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta and the ensuing impact on mental health. Employing an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 African immigrant women living in Lethbridge or Calgary, AB. Thematic analysis revealed that these women encountered intersecting challenges in Canada stemming from factors such as race, gender, social class, and immigration status, leading to negative effects on their mental health. Nevertheless, the participants employed various coping strategies to alleviate these challenges, with culture playing a significant role in shaping perceptions and coping mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of implementing culturally safe programs by stakeholders, policy makers, and mental health practitioners to facilitate the successful transition and integration of African Immigrant women into their new environment.
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

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

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

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