Family Support Systems Report and Presentation on

A place of welcome, safety and support for refugees

Ruhina Ashrafi Introduction

Selina Mannan- Services &Programs

Maria Tsoutsas- Services &Programs,

Availability & accessibility

Nazneen Akhter Outreach & follow ups Fatema Akter- Barriers Georgine Mpimbwele- Conclusion

Mission: 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 respect Resilient and responsive to the changing needs of refugees Committed to children and families Partner with others to serve refugees Advocates for refugees

Christie 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

Refugees 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

 Shelter

Services Services up

Support

Outreach/Follow

Program

Basic needs assessment upon arrival to the shelter and referrals for further follow up

Assistance to access basic services such as health care, education, banking Housing orientations and support to secure permanent housing and affordable house

Provision of cross-cultural and health promotion workshops like program for

child fitness, program for women yoga, stress management

On-site workshops are offered on parenting, budgeting, children & safety, health issues, and immigration

settlement work like fill up immigration form

Advocacy- They provide legal advice for refugee.

In-house computer lab and TTC fare

Gifts-in-kind (clothing, personal care items)

Summer Day Camp Special events New back pack for each childs first day of school

In- house medical services (a clinic with 3 doctors and a

nursing practitioner)

Basic health coverage under Interim Federal Health Program (IFH Program)

Translation services
Refugee Sponsorship Program in partnership with Citizenship

and Immigration Canada(CIC),

churches and various sponsors

Services available 24/7

Easy access as it is located in downtown Toronto, close to

Christie Subway Station Accessible through City

of Toronto Central Intake

Refugees by the numbers

465 total 60% female 11% single female parent 35% under 18 years of age

Provide continuous support to their families adapting into a local community Making appointments and referrals to legal services Provide food, furniture and clothing banks Advocate for clients with special needs Organize special events and build up networks Provide gifts and food for new born

Services are provided centrally

No branches, limited seats

Accept only women and families as refugees not single man Need to come through proper channel and have to have

refugee ID to get help

Free services are provided for three months only

If refugee claim is declined, need to leave the centre Special programs (camping, yoga etc.) are arranged only for the children and women More than two persons stay in one room that is beyond the capacity They dont have any child care provision

High maintenance cost

They dont accommodate any people with disability

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

http://prezi.com/rgf2sqj5-b4z/christie-refugee/