Social Support and Community Engagement: Building Connections for Elderly Displaced Persons
Introduction/Overview
In the global context, Social Support and Community Engagement refers to programs and services aimed at promoting social interaction, community involvement, and active participation among elderly refugees. These services are essential in combating social isolation, fostering well-being, and creating a sense of belonging within host communities. Social support includes opportunities for elderly individuals to engage in recreational activities, join social clubs, and participate in community events, helping them stay connected and engaged.
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we prioritize social support and community engagement for elderly refugees. Our programs focus on building connections, promoting intergenerational activities, and providing safe spaces where elderly individuals can share experiences and participate in meaningful interactions. By fostering community ties, we aim to improve their emotional well-being and ensure that they are active members of society.
This approach aligns with key international frameworks:
Global Compact on Refugees (2018), which emphasizes social inclusion and community integration for vulnerable populations, including elderly refugees.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 10 & 11), focusing on ensuring well-being, reducing inequalities, and promoting inclusive and sustainable communities.
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966), ensuring the right to participate in cultural life and community activities.
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002), which promotes social inclusion, participation, and active engagement of older persons in society.
A Vision for Social Support and Community Engagement
At RefPIC, we envision a future where elderly refugees are fully integrated into their communities and actively participate in social, cultural, and community life. We aim to create environments where they feel valued, supported, and engaged, ensuring that they can maintain social connections and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Through our social support programs, we work to alleviate isolation and loneliness among elderly refugees by creating opportunities for interaction, community participation, and recreational engagement. Our vision is to build inclusive communities where elderly individuals can thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging.
How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Social Support Services
RefPIC’s social support and community engagement programs are designed to meet the unique social and emotional needs of elderly refugees. We collaborate with local community organizations, volunteers, and social workers to ensure that elderly individuals have access to a wide range of social and recreational activities.
Key components of our Social Support and Community Engagement include:
Social Clubs and Recreational Activities: Creating spaces where elderly refugees can engage in social activities, including hobby clubs, sports, arts and crafts, and cultural events.
Community Events and Gatherings: Organizing local community events that bring together refugees and host community members, fostering relationships and mutual understanding.
Intergenerational Programs: Promoting interaction between elderly refugees and younger generations through mentorship, education, and cultural exchange programs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Offering elderly individuals volunteer roles within the community, providing them with a sense of purpose and contribution.
Mental Health and Emotional Support: Providing counseling and emotional support services to address the feelings of loneliness, trauma, and anxiety common among elderly refugees.
Cultural Celebrations and Traditions: Encouraging elderly refugees to participate in cultural and religious celebrations, preserving their heritage and integrating with the local community.
Why Social Support and Community Engagement Matters
Elderly refugees often face challenges related to social isolation, cultural disconnection, and limited opportunities for community involvement. Without proper social support, they are at greater risk of loneliness, depression, and mental health issues. Social engagement is essential for their emotional well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring their integration into the broader community.
RefPIC’s social support programs empower elderly refugees to stay connected, participate in meaningful activities, and build lasting relationships within their communities. These programs help prevent isolation and ensure that elderly individuals remain engaged, active, and valued members of society.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Social Support and Community Engagement
As RefPIC continues to grow, we are committed to expanding our social support and community engagement programs for elderly refugees. We aim to create more opportunities for social interaction, cultural exchange, and community involvement, ensuring that elderly individuals can remain socially connected and integrated.
Through our Triple Nexus Approach, we integrate humanitarian assistance, development, and peacebuilding to create sustainable, long-term support systems for elderly refugees. This approach promotes resilience, inclusion, and active community participation, ensuring that social support is accessible to all elderly refugees.
What We Aim to Achieve
Our primary goals in providing social support and community engagement to elderly refugees include:
Reducing Social Isolation: Creating opportunities for elderly refugees to participate in social and community activities, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Fostering Community Participation: Ensuring that elderly refugees have meaningful opportunities to contribute to and engage with their communities.
Supporting Emotional Well-being: Providing mental health and emotional support services to help elderly individuals cope with trauma, anxiety, and social disconnection.
Encouraging Cultural Exchange: Promoting intergenerational and cross-cultural interactions that enrich both elderly refugees and the host community.
How We Deliver Impact
Community Integration Programs: RefPIC organizes social and cultural events that promote interaction between elderly refugees and their host communities.
Volunteer and Mentorship Opportunities: We provide elderly refugees with volunteer roles and mentorship programs that offer them a sense of purpose and contribution.
Social Clubs and Recreational Spaces: RefPIC creates spaces where elderly refugees can participate in recreational activities, share hobbies, and build social connections.
Mental Health Support: We offer counseling services and emotional support to help elderly refugees cope with the challenges of isolation and trauma.
Cultural and Intergenerational Engagement: Our programs promote cultural exchange between elderly refugees and the local community, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Who Benefits
Elderly Refugees: Elderly refugees benefit from improved social connections, emotional well-being, and a stronger sense of community through our programs.
Host Communities: Host communities benefit from the inclusion of elderly refugees, fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding.
Families and Caregivers: Families of elderly refugees benefit from knowing that their loved ones are engaged in meaningful activities and are part of a supportive community.
Governance, Oversight, and Accountability
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.
In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.
National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.
International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.
Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.
For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.
Get Involved/Call to Action
Support Social Engagement Programs: Advocate for expanded social support and community engagement programs for elderly refugees.
Volunteer: Help create inclusive spaces for social interaction and engagement by volunteering with RefPIC’s community programs.
Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to develop new opportunities for elderly refugees to engage in social and community life.
Donate: Your contributions help fund social clubs, community events, and recreational activities for elderly refugees.