Content uploaded by Sharon Koehn
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Sharon Koehn on Jun 13, 2019
Content may be subject to copyright.
Resilience, Social Connection and
Community Organization Forum
Vancouver Site Report: February 19th, 2019
Prepared by Emily Lonsdale & Sharon Koehn
Based on notes taken by Laura Kadowaki, Sharon Koehn & Emily Lonsdale
1
Introduction
On February 19, 2019, a diverse group of stakeholders attended the Resilience, Social Connection and
Community Organization Forum hosted by the Lived Experiences Vancouver research team. This forum
used the photovoice exhibit, The Lived Experience of Aging Immigrants, to springboard facilitated
discussions on the topics of resilience, social connection, and community organization in relation to
immigrant older adults. Click here to view an online version of the exhibit.
Funding for the forum was provided by grants from Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
(Reach 2017, PI, Sharon Koehn) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Connection
2018, PI, Shari Brotman). It is one of a series of forums to be held across four Canadian sites (Greater
Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Quebec City). Following completion of all the forums, a consolidated
project report will be released.
The forum was organized in conjunction with the United Way of the Lower Mainland’s launch of their
Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education) platform. Social gerontologist Eddy
Elmer (PhD Candidate, Vrije Universiteit) commenced the forum with an insightful presentation based
on his work with the Vancouver Seniors Advisory Committee on social isolation and loneliness.
This site report for the Vancouver Resilience, Social Connection and Community Organization Forum
summarizes the key themes and ideas that were discussed during the forum for each theme (resilience,
social connection, and community organization) and the final concluding discussion that occurred at the
end of the forum. Discussion of the individual themes occurred as a part of World Café style
conversations, where groups of 4-7 people discussed each theme. The concluding discussion at the end
of the forum consisted of a larger group discussion.
Please note that the opinions contained in this report do not necessarily reflect those of the research
team or all participants in attendance, but rather reflect faithfully the diversity of opinions and
comments made by all the forum participants.
2
Theme 1: Resilience
Question 1: What are your impressions about resilience in relation
to immigrant older adults based on viewing the exhibit?
Forum participants identified various expressions of resilience in the photographs
and stories of immigrant older adults. Individual diversity in their characteristics
and experience contribute to the unique resilience demonstrated by immigrant
older adults. In addition, individuals’ mediators of resilience (I.e., passion, faith, or
education) must be identified and supported.
• Various older immigrants demonstrate an ability and willingness to adapt. Some act
independently to help themselves, while others might need a helping hand. In both situations,
resilience is innate to the older adult in a way that is evident or waiting to be realized.
o Both the internal ability of older immigrants and external drivers are contributors to
building resilience; it is important that we reinforce these internal and external
processes.
• Some of the immigrant older adults were able to name or identify what contributed to their
resilience. For example, some stories recognized the role of faith, nature, and family. Through
their passions and activities, participants recognized their own abilities and demonstrated their
capability.
• Both formal and informal education was seen to contribute to the social and psychological
capital on which older immigrants drew to respond to and ameliorate challenging transitions,
regardless of their awareness of their own resilience. They utilized this reserved knowledge to
act independently.
Older immigrants’ resilience can be characterized by independence,
determination, and a willingness to persevere in the face of past and on-going
challenges and trauma. Sharing their stories and solutions demonstrated these
characteristics and highlighted their resilience.
• Although systems (health care, social services, etc.) in Canada can be challenging to navigate,
photovoice participants exhibited independence and a desire to maintain their own voices and
abilities. Their stories were characterized by a “just won’t give up” attitude, regardless of past
trauma(s).
o Past and current stress shaped the resilience of participants moving forward.
o Stakeholders underscored the necessity of recognizing diversity in immigrant stories,
paying attention to unique individual characteristics and environmental features.
3
• Older immigrants were characterized as amazing survivors finding courage, creativity, and
conviction in the face of hardship.
o They demonstrated determination to persevere during difficult experiences, no matter
how uncomfortable life was/is.
o Individuals exhibited the will to come to Canada alone or unsupported, and in so doing
further reinforced their courage and strength. No matter what, they are willing to come
here and make it work; for immigrants there is no turning back: “They must find a way,
because they have the will.”
o Facing barriers at the intersections of immigrant status and as old age requires
exceptional strength and resilience.
• Story-telling, sharing, and establishing community connections were seen as a resilience builders
for photovoice participants and immigrant populations.
o Sharing their stories and experiences helps to dispel myths and stereotypes about
people from various cultural backgrounds and the immigrant experience overall.
o Stakeholders and service providers saw the individuals and their stories in terms of the
skills they taught and the lessons they shared.
o Shared experiences can be realized through older immigrant stories, subsequently
allowing for positive changes in services or supports as well as community building
between older immigrants.
o However, stakeholders also emphasized the sensitivity and understanding required
around the disclosure of their stories; not everyone wants to share their story.
Additionally, immigration might represent an opportunity for a new story, freedom for a
fresh start, and immigrants have the right to choose whether to share their past or not.
• Stakeholders expressed gratitude and appreciation for the humility and humbleness the
immigrant older adults exhibited in starting a new life here in Canada.
Question 2: What actions do we need to take in order to remove
barriers and build on strengths?
Systemic barriers that were identified included temporary funding models and
over-dependence on volunteers. Forum participants recommended processual
changes informed by community-based research, the diverse needs of older
immigrants, and an open mindset regarding the many approaches to support
immigrant populations.
• Stakeholders noted that temporary funding models create gaps in the continuity of supports
that are available to older immigrant seniors.
4
o In order to narrow these gaps, stakeholders recommended a reconceptualized
implementation process, informed by research, service-provider and community
knowledge, and discussions between stakeholders.
o Some service providers noted the challenge of feeling that they much of their planning
is “driven by the next grant” and fighting this status quo mentality is difficult.
• Stakeholders identified the need for systemic change to ensure necessary supports for
immigrant older adults. One example provided was the lack of systemic sustainability if support
for immigrant groups relies entirely on volunteers.
o The diverse needs of immigrant populations necessitate an ‘evolving solutions’ mindset
rather than a one-size-fits-most approach.
o Across Canadian society, stakeholders identified a need to endorse giving and inclusive
attitudes, and reconsider how we as individuals and a nation show up to support others.
Participants recommended daily changes in our individual behaviors, interactions
and attitudes to build community and resilience. Both personally, and
professionally, we can recognize and promote the resilience in others through
greater inclusion, curiosity and promotion of diversity.
• At the individual level, stakeholders recommended daily changes be made through even small
acts. Some examples included: getting to know our neighbors, smiling at strangers, and creating
space for community in our lives.
o Human interactions were emphasized as an opportunity to build resilience.
o Stakeholders were encouraged by exhibit participants to take more risks.
• In their daily work practice, stakeholders cited a need to continue building relationships,
encouraging, supporting and recognizing the potential in the individual. They also emphasized
the need to assess what older immigrants want and value, as opposed to the endorsed knee jerk
reaction for program provision that may not match their desires and values.
• Stakeholders noted a societal need for more openness and curiosity, and they felt this could be
attained through promoting greater cultural awareness and inclusion.
• We all need to encourage the continued recognition and promotion of the diverse strengths
possessed by individuals such as the photovoice participants. Notably, this includes respecting
the right of seniors to use their own voice and choice. As service providers and supporters, we
must recognize and accept the risks and autonomy that individuals choose to exercise.
Across the levels of Canadian society, it is important to challenge our assumptions
regarding the immigrant experience. We need to be aware of the ways in which
attitudes, policy, and supports prohibit older immigrants from succeeding.
5
• Forum participants emphasized how an open-minded attitude was needed to rectify the current
challenges posed by an “us vs. them" narrative.
o Make note of instances when we are just allowing immigrants into Canada versus
actively welcoming immigrants into our country and communities.
o Provide supports with the goal of helping people become less dependent on the system.
o Be open to recognizing the prejudice and privilege that we bring to the service process.
In other words, we must assess our own internal biases/ways of understanding, and
work to be more accepting and open hearted.
• Participants noted the need to set realistic immigration expectations as a society and a country,
to recognize when we are telling people how they should act or behave whilst creating barriers
that prohibit immigrants from succeeding.
o Barriers to funding and supports stopping us from helping people who want to
participate fully in society
Continued sharing of stories from willing immigrant older adults promotes
resilience across individuals and communities, and informs practice while
dispelling cultural myths and immigration stereotypes. We need to continue to
promote cultural spaces for sharing diverse stories and making community
connections.
• Continuing to share these stories was noted as an important strength to build upon, spreading
strength and resilience within immigrant communities, and the communities of practice that
support them.
• Canadian ideals of welcoming new citizens were seen as both a strength and weakness. Ideals of
finding and building communities are easier said than done. Changing community spaces to be
more inclusive and diverse requires time and effort.
• Stakeholders noted that differences exist in various community and immigrant contexts—
cultural stereotyping was recognized as a weakness to be addressed. For example, some
individuals would rather face language barriers in a mixed ethnic environment than face
community barriers among members of their “traditional” ethnic community.
• Importance of creating and respecting opportunities for intercultural and ethno-specific spaces.
o Cultural competence building highlighted as an important step to value and respecting
various backgrounds and cultures. Continued promotion and celebrations of diversity in
an inclusive manner can help reduce community siloes through bi-directional exchanges
between diverse communities.
• Service providers can help facilitate connections, but only if people want this.
6
Theme 2: Social Connection
Question 1: What are your impressions about social connection in
relation to immigrant older adults based on viewing the exhibit?
Social connection is an essential component for immigrant older adults’ success
and resilience within their communities. Various aspects of older adults’ identities
and communities may enable or inhibit these connections. Establishing connections
within familiar or comfortable social environments (e.g., ethnic or faith enclaves)
may bolster the skillsets and leadership opportunities to transfer to new
environments.
• Participants observed that the exhibit highlighted how intersections of identity created barriers
or enablers to participation in programs or events that foster social connection. Important
identity markers that contribute to the mix include age, gender, finances and education,
mobility and physical and mental health (including PTSD), language, housing (i.e., complexes vs.
single-family dwellings) and family circumstances.
o With respect to family, intergenerational connections were deemed to be important to
social connection
o Education was deemed to be helpful, but in some cases, the devaluation of educational
qualifications in Canada leads to a loss of self-esteem and isolation among immigrants.
• Social connection is tantamount to thriving; it gives people a sense of purpose and belonging
and contributes to their power. In this sense, success begets success and builds resilience.
• Social connection often takes place in places of worship (despite some negativity associated
with religion in Canadian society) – religion has been central in the lives of many immigrant
older adults throughout the life course; it also provides opportunities to assume leadership.
• Ethnic (or faith) enclaves are often viewed as counter to adaptation and integration, but it was
argued that familiar connections within such enclaves build resilience because people are able
to escape discrimination, can communicate more readily and access resources within these
environments. In this way, they are better able to build resilience and integrate with the wider
society.
• Certain people have skill sets that they are keen to share and to contribute to society – this
desire should be enabled in order to build their confidence and power.
7
Question 2: What actions do we need to take in order to remove
barriers and build on strengths?
Financial, psychological, or cultural barriers can inhibit social connections. Peer
support and recognition of the inherent value that individuals possess can remove
barriers and build on social strengths.
• Religious activities are free, but many community services require a fee and even getting to a
free service may incur transportation costs, which can be a barrier
• Self-image can also be a constraint or enabler to connection
• We need to think in terms of Maslow’s hierarchy (of needs) and attend to people’s basic needs
first, to free them up to self-actualize. Peer support can improve mental health and improve
people’s faith in their ability to contribute, especially when they have opportunities to give back
(e.g. preparing a meal, singing).
o For example, a man in a high-rise apartment offered annual barbecues for building
residents. Gradually, the number of people participating grew – ingredients of his
success included his investment in the BBQ equipment, as well as his own skills as a
Community Builder.
• We also need to lobby policymakers and licensing bodies to recognize the credentials of
immigrants (these rules change to ensure people are kept out of the professions – e.g. English
levels needed to practice as a nurse here have increased over time.
Community planners, community-serving organizations, schools and public service
agencies all have a role in promoting and facilitating social connection. Creating
and encouraging intergenerational, cross-cultural, and equity-based spaces
requires effort, activation, and proper application of resources.
• Community planners and developers are also integral to creating spaces and hubs for people to
meet in buildings and communities (e.g. community gardens, family rooms). Making the space
available may be necessary, but it is not sufficient; people often still need to be activated to
utilize these spaces.
• A Richmond-based participant felt that many ethnocultural organizations in Richmond did a
good job in reaching out to the wider community to educate them about their language and
customs, including food on special occasions and holidays.
• The importance of seniors’ inclusion in designing and running groups organized for their benefit
was seen as crucial. It also needs to be recognized that ‘seniors-driven’ does not imply that they
don’t need support – staff are still needed to link them to resources.
o Peer-led conversation circles for English language learning are an example (better than a
didactic classroom setting for immigrant older adults)
8
o The importance of eliminating tokenism in this process is also essential. Both seniors
and staff need to understand what sharing power actually looks like (i.e., addressing
discrimination based on ‘white privilege’ mentality/ethnocentricism).
• In order to address ageism and racism, we need to work with youth to support sustainable social
change. For example, Richmond Cares/Richmond Gives has reached out to universities to
provide education on reducing ageism.
Additional Comments:
• Neighborhood Houses (NH) were identified as one of the many solutions for connecting people
and facilitating community change for a diverse population of participants. NHs develop
supportive and inclusive sites throughout Metro Vancouver that are used by immigrant seniors.
Through applying a network service model, seniors, community agencies and various
organizations come together to help engage and serve seniors.
o Seniors are at the heart of the service, where they lead, govern, identify and respond to
needs. As a result, they gain confidence, cross-cultural social opportunities, and create
opportunities for vulnerable seniors.
o This approach results in better coordination of services and supports for diverse
populations in the community.
9
Theme 3: Community Organization
Question 1: What are your impressions about community
organization in relation to immigrant older adults based on
viewing the exhibit?
Community organizations offer a variety of options for immigrant older adults,
from facilitating social connections to providing a safe space to exist and grow.
Equally, these organizations benefit from the engagement of older adults, who
often reciprocate by volunteering.
• Forum participants agreed that community organizations play important roles in the lives of
immigrant older adults and provide opportunities for older adults to develop a sense of
belonging, reduce social isolation, be themselves, and build their skills.
• Community organizations provide a safe space for people of different cultures to chat, interact
and communicate.
• While older immigrants gain benefits from community organizations, they also give back to
community organizations through volunteerism. Volunteering provides benefits both for the
volunteers themselves (e.g., self-esteem, chance to use their skills) as well as the organizations.
o It is important to remember though that volunteers cannot replace paid staff, and
organizations require resources for volunteer management as volunteers need support
from the staff and the organization.
Organizations create space for older immigrant adults to utilize and share their
skills; whether through volunteer roles or interactions with others, their stories
and experiences can be heard.
• Community organizations are welcoming spaces that recognize and accept the gifts of
immigrant older adults and provide them with opportunities to use their skills. This is
particularly important given that Canadian society often fails to recognize the skills of
immigrants (e.g., work experience, educational credentials), which was reflected in many of the
portraits in the exhibit.
• Community organizations can promote intergenerational connections and provide opportunities
for younger people to hear and learn from immigrant older adults.
• Older immigrants often have strong connections with faith organizations (e.g., churches,
temples, etc.) and have trusting relationships with them. Faith organizations see older adults as
persons, rather than clients or business opportunities.
10
Access and communication barriers might exist for immigrant older adults who do
not know what is available, how to access services, or cannot engage with
informative publications due to language and literacy barriers. Particular
immigrant groups may face additional barriers due to lack of services.
• Immigrant older adults may fall through the cracks and not access services offered by
community organizations due to lack of awareness of what is available and how to access these
services.
• Community organizations need to recognize the differences between language and literacy
when connecting with immigrant older adults (e.g., translating a pamphlet into another
language is not enough, literacy in their own language can be an issue for some immigrant older
adults).
• Language and cultural barriers may make older immigrants reluctant to seek help from
community organizations. Older immigrants may feel stigma and shame from needing to seek
help, and may perceive accepting assistance from community organizations as akin to placing
their problems in the public realm. In some cases, offers of help from community organizations
may be overzealous or intrusive. Community organizations also may make assumptions about
the types of help older immigrants need rather than consulting with them.
• There is a paucity of community organizations and resources for immigrant older adults and
certain immigrant groups in particular. Immigrant older adults may have different ideas about
what to do when there are gaps in services and may feel less comfortable speaking up
compared to Canadian-born older adults due to cultural differences and experiences with
government in their country of origin. There is a need to empower and create opportunities for
immigrant older adults to engage in advocacy.
Community organizations play an extremely valuable role in connecting people;
however, resource allocation does not sufficiently support them to assist
immigrant older adults. Siloed service structures also create access and navigation
challenges for older adults and service providers.
• There is a disconnect between the important role community organizations play in the lives of
older adults and the resources that are invested in them by government and funders. More
resources are needed to deliver programs to immigrant older adults.
• Even with limited resources, there are simple ways community organizations can connect with
and deliver programs for immigrant older adults. For example, 411 Seniors Centre organized a
cooking and exchange experience with a group of Afghan senior women.
• Services for seniors are siloed, even within individual community organizations. Often for
specific services (e.g., housing information and outreach) you need to go to a specific person
11
within the organization or another organization. This creates challenges for older adults
attempting to navigate and access services.
o Individuals/organizations may have the attitude “if it’s not under my portfolio, I’m not
doing it.”
o The mentality of the leadership/management of an organization strongly influences the
culture of an organization and whether they are willing to serve all or operate services in
siloes.
o Funding siloes (e.g., funding allocated to serve only older adults with a specific
immigration status) and competition among organizations for funding further contribute
to the fragmentation of services.
• Services may be siloed based on language or immigration status. Older adults are often
categorized and their access to services is provided (or not) relative to their legal immigration
status rather than their needs.
• There is a need for a ‘one-stop shop’ model of service for immigrant older adults to replace the
segmented community services that currently exist.
Question 2: What actions do we need to take in order to remove
barriers and build on strengths?
Financial barriers such as lack of funding, short-term grant-based funding, and
drawn-out and restrictive application processes challenge how community
organizations support immigrant older adults.
• Funding was the most commonly identified challenge for community organizations. In particular,
challenges with the New Horizons Program for Seniors were mentioned by several participants,
though generally concerns about funding were applicable to a wide range of funding streams:
o Lack of opportunities to renew grants/receive continuous funding for initiatives
o Strict and inflexible funding criteria which often do not reflect the real needs of
communities and do not fund the things that matter (e.g., programs involving food
often are not eligible for funding)
o Need for funding to be more responsive to changing community needs and to be
allocated in a timely manner (i.e., not have to wait 9 months to find out if you will
receive funding)
o Lack of funding to support innovative/creative ideas
o Challenge of how to show the value and outcomes of innovative social programs to
funders
12
Collaboration across organizations and sectors is a strength to build upon.
Collaborations between volunteers and community service workers are necessary,
and volunteerism is crucial to the success of services but often requires some
funded support.
• The United Way’s Healthy Aging CORE website is seen as an ideal way to promote collaboration
between community organizations and provide information on funding opportunities.
• Collaborations and partnerships were identified as ways to build the capacity of community
organizations to support immigrant older adults. It was felt the policy environment is becoming
more conducive for collaboration between organizations. There is more focus now on common
goals and working together, though there is still the need to remove the competition between
community organizations.
• Opportunities exist for collaboration between non-profits, volunteers, the public sector and the
private sector, and for community organizations to expand the usual range of partners with
which they work.
• Volunteers are a valuable resource for community organizations, but having a very successful
volunteer program can backfire, particularly when the government believes that services can be
delivered by volunteers, because operational funding (e.g. for paid staff) is sometimes reduced
or eliminated as a result. Even when volunteers are plentiful, organizations still need paid staff
to support them. Community organizations cannot exclusively rely on volunteers.
Strong organizational and systemic leadership is required to meet the diverse
needs of immigrant older adults. Innovative approaches by community
organizations can identify and meet the need of underrepresented groups.
• Strong leadership and staff teams are key to the success of community organizations. These
people have a significant impact as they are the representatives/faces of their organizations.
• Community organizations need to embrace and have an open door policy towards diversity, and
to make concerted efforts to connect with these groups on a grassroots level. There is also a
need for inclusive and multicultural dialogues within our communities.
• It is important to recognize the heterogeneity of older immigrant populations. For example,
many Filipino immigrants come to Canada as caregivers, which may impact their support
systems and attitudes towards care.
• There is a need for governments to adopt humanistic approaches to funding and planning
services for immigrant older adults.
• Certain ethnic groups appear to be overlooked in the provision of services to immigrants (e.g.,
Vietnamese immigrants). The reasons for these gaps are unclear and we need to further explore
how to connect with these populations.
13
To address the community needs of immigrant older adults, we must first
understand their needs (met/unmet), skills, and experiences. Consulting with and
advocating on the behalf of immigrant older adults ensure that real concerns or
barriers to community connections, such as transportation gaps, are addressed.
• Government can do more to ensure that the credentials of trained professionals immigrating to
Canada are recognized. This lack of recognition is unfair and a loss to Canadian society, since we
are unable to benefit from these individuals’ valuable skills and education. Often the failure to
recognize the education of immigrants is due to the protectiveness of professionals in Canada
over their credentials. When immigrants are attempting to have their credentials recognized or
upgraded, they may encounter language or financial barriers that prevent them from making
this happen. We need policies on educational accreditation that promote accepting and valuing
what immigrants bring and establish a system of reward rather than penalty.
• Decision-makers, funders, etc. need to listen to community organizations and immigrant older
adults about needed services and resources.
• People need more information to understand government immigration programs (e.g., caregiver
regulations). Radio and alternative forms of media can be important forms of communication
with immigrant older adults, particularly in populations that have lower literacy levels.
• Community organizations need to be easily accessible by older adults if we want them to
participate. Transportation is especially important.
• There is a need for advocacy with MPs by community organizations and older adults for more
resources for community organizations and supports for immigrant older adults. A cohesive
voice and message are needed for this advocacy.
In order to build on preexisting strengths we need to consult with organizations
working with immigrant senior populations (e.g., faith organizations), scale
successful programs, and provide opportunities where people are likely to connect
(i.e., food gatherings).
• We need to consider how we can build on and scale-up successful programs.
• Faith can provide older immigrants with a sense of continuity when they move to a country that
is culturally and linguistically very different from their country of origin. Faith organizations are
an important way to reach immigrant older adults; they have an advantage over other
community organizations because they are not reliant on grant funding.
• Food is an important way to create connections with people.
14
Concluding Discussion
Question 1: How do each of the table themes and their solutions
connect?
• The themes emphasized both person-centred (people are at the core) and strengths-based
(recognize strengths and resilience) approaches for older immigrants.
• The resilience of older immigrants was emphasized in the photovoice portraits. Community
organizations and social connection are sources of resilience for older immigrants.
• Connecting with their community is often the first step towards resilience for older immigrants;
their community can then refer them to trustworthy community organizations that will help
them to build their resilience.
• Participants identified storytelling (as in the exhibit) as an important way for immigrant older
adults to communicate their stories to community organizations and the public.
• It is important to provide opportunities for the recognition and empowerment of older
immigrants.
• When we support immigrant older adults, the result is not just thriving individuals, but thriving
communities.
Question 2: Are there any gaps in understanding that preclude
action right now?
• Participants identified transportation as a current gap that can prevent immigrant older adults
from participating socially, staying connected and accessing community organizations:
“Transportation connects the moments in our lives.” We need to engage in thoughtful design of
transportation systems as well as communities to facilitate the mobility and participation of
immigrant older adults.
• We need to critically examine Canada’s self-perception of being a multicultural and inclusive
society
• We need to consider the sustainability of services and resources for immigrant older adults.
Many services are temporary in nature due to changing environments and insecure funding.
Question 3: Who needs to take responsibility for which actions?
• We need to engage in more sharing of knowledge and resources.
15
• Community organizations need to think about inclusivity when planning programs and services
(e.g., celebrating the holidays of different cultures such as Persian New Year).
• The City of Richmond has a service plan for seniors; other municipalities could learn from this
and create their own service plans.
• We need to consult with Seniors Advisory Groups and ask them questions about inclusivity and
diversity and check in with them when planning programs and addressing issues.
• We also need to share success stories and celebrate the work of the sector. Too often, we
overlook this.