Rainbow Refuge Program
Abstract
An overview of the Rainbow Refuge program at the Edmonton Newcomers Centre (previously called the Edmonton Mennonite Newcomers Centre). Rainbow Refuge was the first LGBTQ+ program in the Edmonton settlement sector, and provides support and programming in the following 4 areas: 1) immigration, 2) settlement, employment and mental health, 3) community connection, and 4) education and advocacy.
Notes
Integration timeline: not defined
Key recommendations: n/a
Community organizations:
1) Rainbow Refuge
2) Edmonton Newcomers Centre
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Key findings:
Rainbow Refuge programs and services include:
1) Refugee claimant support (e.g. documents, applying for legal aid, refugee hearing support, wellbeing support).
2) Settlement supports, e.g. housing, healthcare (including quick access to hormones for trans clients), affirming spirituality, employment, addressing hate crimes, counselling, etc.
3) LGBTQ+ Newcomers Support Group, which meets weekly and has over 200 members.
4) Advocacy, consultation, training for organizations and policy support.
Key populations: LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers in Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, AB
Open access: Yes