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

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

3. 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.

4. Settlement Services Continuum

5. 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

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

7. 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