Community organizations

• Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E) in Red Deer, AB
• Catholic Social Services Immigration and Settlement
• United Way Central Alberta
• Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services
• Lifelong Learning Council of Red Deer

Future research / gaps identified

• Implement and evaluate anti-racism initiatives
• Conduct research to better understand specific needs of newcomers in Central Alberta

Integration timeline

• Newcomers (not defined)

Key populations

• Refugees in Central Alberta (primarily Red Deer)

Key recommendations

• Address escalating racism crisis in Red Deer
• Increase mental health supports (especially due to COVID-19)

Location

• Central Alberta (primarily Red Deer)

Key findings

• For their English as a Second Language (ESL) program: 350 students from 49 countries participated in ESL classes and training
• In terms of community engagement: 65 clients assisted in the areas of housing, employment, education, healthcare, government services, finances and other needs
• For youth settlement programs: the new position of Family Educator was created to fill a significant support for families with complicated needs
• For the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership (RDLIP):  Supported the community by conducting 3 workshops on parenting and mental health as well as supported  a service delivery organization in building capacity (culturally competent counselling) in mental health provision for newcomers

• For their COVID-19 response: created a Facebook page for clients to provide clear and informative posts on COVID-19; C.A.R.E. programming shifted online

Open access: Yes