Needs Assessment: Access barriers of refugee claimants and asylum-seeking women to settlement and support services in the City of New Westminster and City of Surrey

Newcomers to BC experience a myriad of settlement needs and challenges, particularly among refugee claimants and asylum-seeking women with limited English proficiency, education, and income. While settlement services and social support are available in the community, refugee claimants and asylum-seeking women often find themselves isolated and encounter significant barriers when attempting to access the necessary support services. This project aims to identify the access gaps between refugee claimants, asylum seekers, and the services available in the community. Through needs assessment and environmental scanning, we hope to bridge these gaps by providing recommendations and actionable steps.

Strengthening Early Years To Kindergarten

Our organization's mission is to deliver accessible, inclusive, low-barrier programs for immigrant and refugee women and their children that create a sense of belonging, meaningful participation, and leadership. We assist our program participants to break through language barriers, access information, meet material needs, and overcome social isolation. Through our Adopt to Life in Canada program, which supports the early years' development of immigrant and newcomer children, we are building a strong foundation for success, especially in their transition to kindergarten. We would like to work with students to assist in this SEY2K project, developing and delivering the summer pre-kindergarten program alongside our South Vancouver Early Years Table Partners. This will involve several steps for the students, including: Familiarizing themselves with our organization’s goals and missions Understanding the early years children's development and the access barriers for immigrant and newcomer children and families Understanding the BC Ministry of Education Early Years Framework Creating age-appropriate early years materials using a trauma-informed approach, in line with the BC Early Years Framework Connecting with immigrant and newcomer families and providing resources to families Building connections with Early Years Service Providers. Bonus steps in the process would also include: Assisting in administration tasks, including recruitment and registration.