Author(s): Lindsay Larios
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The Family Centre of Winnipeg approached the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives–Manitoba (CCPA-mb) to do a qualitative study on their Family Supports for Refugees Program to better understand the needs and challenges of settled refugee families in Winnipeg, to examine how this program fits into the larger context of refugee supports available, and to obtain data from which to make policy recommendations. To achieve the stated purposes for this study a combination of focus groups involving The Family Centre staff and staff from collateral organizations and personal interviews with refugee clients were used. As more newcomer families make Winnipeg their home, The Family Centre has endeavoured to address the unique needs of this population. The Family Supports for Refugees Program evolved alongside the pilot project, the Enhanced Settlement Supports Program also implemented by The Family Centre, in order to provide complementary service and support to refugee families facing multiple barriers or challenges. While there are many organizations that run settlement and other programs designed to help newcomers, few are able to offer the intensive and ongoing support that some refugee families need in order to successfully integrate into Canadian society Executive Summary and build a safe and prosperous life. The Family Centre uses support coordinators to work closely with families, helping to identify their needs and connect them to the appropriate resources, while providing support throughout the process. The impact of the Family Supports for Refugees Program on clients has been significant.



Grant: Partnering for Change: Community-Based Solutions for Aboriginal and Inner-City Poverty - 2012-2019
Category: Education, Training, and Capacity Building