Resource A4: Case Scenario #11 – Working with Immigrants, Newcomers, and Refugees
You are a newly hired community support worker at a not-for-profit agency in Edmonton that provides programs and services as well as access to resources for immigrant, newcomer, and refugee individuals and families. Part of your role includes providing information and referrals to your clients.
Scenario
Bishaaro is a 28-year-old woman from Somalia who just arrived in Edmonton. She has an appointment to meet with you. She has been in Edmonton for only a few weeks and was reunited with her sister Khadra, brother-in-law Bashiir, nephew Tahiil, and niece Beydaan. Also, her sister’s family arrived about three months ago at the beginning of March, 2020. The journey has been long and stressful for them. As with a number of African countries, Somalia has been facing many years of wars over political systems and disagreements, forcing many families to move away from their homes and country and seek refuge. In order to get accepted into Canada as refugees, her family had to apply to the government for asylum. Once their applications were heard and approved, they were able to relocate to Canada.
Currently, both her mother’s and her husband’s applications are still pending approval. She and her family in Edmonton are concerned for the safety of the remainder of their family in Somalia and are eager to be reunited. Since she has arrived to Edmonton, she has become acutely aware of the challenges faced by her family. She is meeting with you today to get help with learning how to access various systems as well as learn about what programs and services might be available to the family.
The five of them, and hopefully soon the seven of them, currently live in a two-bedroom apartment. They are currently struggling to survive. Though they are receiving financial support from the government, it just barely covers their rent, and by the end of the month, they are out of food. Both she and her sister Khadra can get by in English. Khadra was able to find a minimum wage job and Bishaaro just applied for an entry-level job at the same company. Both she and Bashiir previously completed additional studies; Bishaaro worked as a nurse’s aide, and Bashiir worked as a pharmacy technician. Unfortunately, neither of them can obtain jobs in their fields, as their credentials are not recognized in Canada. In addition, Bashiir speaks little to no English and is therefore unable to work anywhere at the moment. In stressful times like these, they very much miss the sense of community that they once had back in Somalia. Given her sister works long hours, they haven’t been able to find where they might be able to connect with other refugees from Somalia and other parts of Africa. Bishaaro thinks it would be helpful and would also provide opportunities and activities for her 13-year-old nephew Tahiil, and 10-year-old niece Beydaan to be included in the community, and allow them to make some friends.
Case study questions
- Given the scenario, what are the possible systemic barriers and consequences facing Bishaaro and her family?
- While working on the front-lines helping individuals and families, community support workers often assist clients with many issues. What do you think are all the issues and challenges in this scenario?
- In working with Bishaaro and family, what plan or recommendations would you make? Which culturally appropriate supports would you recommend?
- Based on the identified issues, research ONE program or service for EACH issue to which you would refer them. Please include the following:
- List the name of organization and program or service.
- Record the location and contact details of the organization and program. Include physical address, phone number, and email.
- Provide a brief description of the program or service.
- Provide details on how to access it. Is it free? Are there any requirements?
- How can you support people from culturally diverse backgrounds? What do you think you need to have in order to successfully work in this job? If you do not have knowledge on a specific culture, what can you do to increase your awareness of that culture and other cultures?
- Why is it important to know the culture of the clients with whom you are working?
Case scenario by Nadine Konyck.
