Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
2019

Faith and Settlement Partnerships: Perspectives of Community Stakeholders (Article)

Janzen R.* , Brnjas C. , Cresswell J. , Chapman M.
  • a Centre for Community Based Research/Renison University College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
  • b Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
  • c Ambrose University, Calgary, Canada
  • d Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, Canada

Abstract

This article explores partnerships between faith groups and government-funded immigrant settlement services. It does so by reporting on perspectives of community stakeholders through a survey across four communities in Ontario, Canada. Survey results demonstrate that the existence, benefits, and challenges of faith and settlement partnerships are recognized by settlement workers, faith leaders, and other stakeholders. Yet the results also indicate that more could be done to strengthen partnerships so that they lead to better settlement outcomes. The article discusses five key actions for strengthening partnerships: sharing stories, exploring differences, enabling a cultural shift, conducting advocacy, and formalizing partnerships. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Immigrant settlement postsecularism faith and society Community-based research community partnerships

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074000706&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2019.1658007&partnerID=40&md5=2d57560c0779420713136e72a8dac74a
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2019.1658007
ISSN: 15562948
Original Language: English