Faith and Settlement Partnerships: Perspectives of Community Stakeholders |
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Authors: | Rich Janzen Chris Brnjas Jim Cresswell Mark Chapman |
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Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Community Based Research/Renison University College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada;2. rich@communitybasedresearch.ca;4. Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada;5. Ambrose University, Calgary, Canada;6. Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, Canada |
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Abstract: | AbstractThis 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. |
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Keywords: | Immigrant settlement community partnerships faith and society postsecularism community-based research |
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