Working with Newcomers in Rural and Small Urban Communities Robyn Wisken Manager Newcomer Services, Newmarket Welcome Centre March 18, 2014.
Cultural competence or the lack of it will be reflected in how communities relate to and interact with service providers and their representatives. *www.childwelfare.gov
Presentation Overview 1. Experience of Immigration in Simcoe County 2. Connecting with Newcomers in Rural Communities 3. Maximizing Agency Resources for Newcomer Programming
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wed. Thursday Friday Saturday Meet Child s Teacher Farmers Market Bank Appt. Groceries Dr. Appt. Place of Worship Winter Tires Borrow Book from Library Renew Driver s License Meet Friends for Dinner Attend Job Fair Speak with Registrar at the College
EXPERIENCE OF IMMIGRATION IN SIMCOE COUNTY
Who are the Newcomers in Simcoe County? In 2010 there were a total of 650 New Immigrants who landed directly in Simcoe County, increasing by 260 (67%) since 2000 Nearly half (49%) were between the ages of 25 to 44 69% over the age of 18 were married or common-law *Source: CIC Data Cube 2000-2010, analyzed by County of Simcoe. Presentation available at: sclip.simcoe.ca
Strengths of Rural Communities Community Immigrant Retention Rural Ontario (CIRRO) Attractiveness Indicators (8 Themes): 1.Health 2.Housing 3.Innovation 4.Society 5.Amenities 6.Economy 7.Education 8.Overall newcomer attractiveness measure * www.omaf.gov.on.ca
Cultural Groups in Simcoe County Barrie and Area Chinese Community Association Barrie Latin Club Barrie Latin Cultural Association Barrie Latin Resource Centre Bayanihan Club of Simcoe County Club Richelieu, Penetanguishene Filipino Canadian Association of Barrie and Suburban Areas Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Irish Cladding Club of Barrie & District Jewish Community of Barrie (JACOB) Ladies Lunch - Alliston Portuguese Cultural Centre of Bradford Ranji Singh Foundation St Andrew's Society of Simcoe County *Source: immigration.simcoe.ca/welcome
Top Settlement Activities Mobile Unit Conducts Challenges of Newcomers In Rural Communities Information / Orientation Adjustment Counselling Filling in Forms Language Assessments Employment Guidance and Support Meaningful Employment Accessing Resources Language *Transportation
Our newcomers need information in different areas, they need support in order to settle in, we have many programs in Ontario but we don't know how to access. Sometimes our newcomers don't speak English, they don't have family around. You re doing an excellent job when you're listening our community' necessities and provide people information and connecting them with the right programs. (Community Leader from a Simcoe County Cultural Group )
STRATEGIES FOR CONNECTING WITH NEWCOMERS
Cultural competence is a vehicle used to broaden our knowledge and understanding of individuals and communities. *www.childwelfare.gov
Welcoming Environment Trusted Person Mission Statement Imagery Used Materials in Lobby Translation / Interpretation
Cultural Faux Pas Understand the Mistake Make Peace Move On
Culturally Competent Outreach
Going Out, Reaching Out Attend local festivals and events Community centres Libraries Family centred activities Common public locations: mailboxes, Laundromats, convenience stores, gas stations, newspapers, 211/Community Connection, Simcoe County Immigration Portal Places of worship Ethno-cultural groups
MAXIMIZING ORGANIZATION RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMER PROGRAMMING
Collaboration Newcomers Mainstream Service Providers Settlement Agencies
Adapting Mainstream Programming * Need to understand and incorporate the priorities and values of the target group Considerations Connect with other Newcomers Learn about Canadian Culture Transportation Child Care Cultural Differences Date / Time Food / Dietary Restrictions Guest Speakers Speaking Slowly Family Needs Assessment / Family Structure Checking-in with Clients
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