Settlement & Integration: Programs and Tools Fariborz Birjandian, Executive Director Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

Role of RAP Providers To facilitate the settlement and integration of refugees into our community by enabling the refugees to build social capital.

Building Integration Structures: Three Definitions Settlement: a series of physical activities with short-term outcomes outcomes such as finding a home, familiarization with environment, access to basic needs, schooling & employment adequate for survival. Integration: a mental and emotional adaptation in a new environment. Integration can only happen where a person feels as valued as others. Social Capital: connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. The ability of the newcomer to create networks, develop roots, build trust, be in a position of influence, and contribute to society.

Settlement Services Continuum

Current Services Available to RAP Clients RAP Basket of Services Welcoming & Greeting Temporary Accommodation Orientation & Information Documentation Bridging to access other federally funded programs (i.e. HOST, ISAP) Link to broader community services

Current challenges in delivering programs Funding restrictions Inability to fully measure the outcomes and impact Client diversity Organizational capacity Various levels of community support

Recommendations All programs and services delivered should enable clients to enhance their social capital Programs, services and approaches should be viewed as a tool rather than an outcome Ongoing evaluation Modify services based on lessons learnt