Christie Refugee Welcome Centre

Family Support Systems Report and Presentation on

Understanding and communicating with FamiliesChristie Refugee Welcome Centre

A place of welcome, safety and support for refugeesRuhina Ashrafi IntroductionSelina Mannan- Services &ProgramsMaria Tsoutsas- Services &Programs, Availability & accessibilityNazneen Akhter Outreach & follow upsFatema Akter- BarriersGeorgine Mpimbwele- ConclusionPresented byMission: A Christian organization serving and advocating for refugee families by providing safe and temporary housing, initial settlements services and follow up support. They influence and engage the broader public through sponsorship, education and advocacy initiatives

Core Values of the agency:Respond to refugees with dignity and respectResilient and responsive to the changing needs of refugeesCommitted to children and familiesPartner with others to serve refugees Advocates for refugees

Mission & Core ValuesChristie Refugee Welcome Centre is a Christian organization which is working with refugee families. In 1989, Christie Refugee started its journey as World Vision Reception Centre

Refugee is a person who has been forced to leave his/her country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster

For 10 years, the Centre allied with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to supply temporary accommodation, essential services, orientations to life in Canada, and housing services to refugees

IntroductionRefugees are coming more from politically unstable and war affected countries such as Congo, North Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran etc.

In 2001, Christie Refugee Welcome Centre (CRWC) entered into a new partnership with the City of Toronto, Hostel Services Division

City of Toronto is funding this agency

Program running through this agency are Shelter & settlement services, Outreach, Refugee Sponsorship

Introduction (Cont.)Shelter ServicesSupport ServicesOutreach/Follow upProgram

Services and Programs

Basic needs assessment upon arrival to the shelter and referrals for further follow upAssistance to access basic services such as health care, education, bankingHousing orientations and support to secure permanent housing and affordable houseProvision of cross-cultural and health promotion workshops like program for child fitness, program for women yoga, stress managementOn-site workshops are offered on parenting, budgeting, children & safety, health issues, and immigration settlement work like fill up immigration form

Shelter Services

Advocacy- They provide legal advice for refugee.In-house computer lab and TTC fareGifts-in-kind (clothing, personal care items)Summer Day CampSpecial eventsNew back pack for each childs first day of school

Support Services

In- house medical services (a clinic with 3 doctors and a nursing practitioner) Basic health coverage under Interim Federal Health Program (IFH Program) Translation servicesRefugee Sponsorship Program in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC), churches and various sponsorsServices and Programs (Cont.)

Services available 24/7Easy access as it is located in downtown Toronto, close to Christie Subway StationAccessible through City of Toronto Central Intake

Availability, Accessibility

Refugees by the numbers

465 total 60% female11% single female parent35% under 18 years of age

2012 Statistics

Provide continuous support to their families adapting into a local communityMaking appointments and referrals to legal servicesProvide food, furniture and clothing banksAdvocate for clients with special needsOrganize special events and build up networksProvide gifts and food for new born

Outreach/Follow-up Program

Services are provided centrallyNo branches, limited seatsAccept only women and families as refugees not single manNeed to come through proper channel and have to have refugee ID to get helpFree services are provided for three months only

Barriers

If refugee claim is declined, need to leave the centreSpecial programs (camping, yoga etc.) are arranged only for the children and womenMore than two persons stay in one room that is beyond the capacityThey dont have any child care provisionHigh maintenance costThey dont accommodate any people with disability

Barriers ( Cont.)

The CRWC treats people with respect ,dignity and commitmentWe are responsible and committed as global citizens and future ECEs to the societyTeamwork , group understanding ,and time management are the key features for group success

Conclusion

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Christie Refugee at a Glance