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Building relationships and facilitating immigrant community integration: An evaluation of a Cultural Navigator Program

Author

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  • Thomas, Rebecca L.
  • Chiarelli-Helminiak, Christina M.
  • Ferraj, Brunilda
  • Barrette, Kyle

Abstract

Despite the long history of immigration in the United States, communities around the country struggle to integrate newcomers into the economic, cultural, and political spheres of society. Utilizing results from the program evaluation of one public library's Cultural Navigator Program, the authors illustrate how communities and public institutions can promote integration and relationship-building between newly arrived immigrants and long-time residents. Existing social networks within receiving communities, conceptualized in this article as social capital, were leveraged to build capacity among newly arrived immigrants and foster inclusivity and integration at the community level. As a place of intervention, public libraries are suggested as a safe and shared space where community integration can be fostered. Insights derived from the evaluation inform a discussion on engaging approaches to immigrant integration. Lessons learned and recommendations for program evaluators and administrators are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas, Rebecca L. & Chiarelli-Helminiak, Christina M. & Ferraj, Brunilda & Barrette, Kyle, 2016. "Building relationships and facilitating immigrant community integration: An evaluation of a Cultural Navigator Program," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 77-84.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:55:y:2016:i:c:p:77-84
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.11.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kezia Lartey & Brandon D. Lundy, 2017. "Policy Considerations regarding the Integration of Lusophone West African Immigrant Populations," Border Crossing, Transnational Press London, UK, vol. 7(1), pages 108-121, January-J.
    2. Filomeno, Felipe A., 2019. "The potential of dialogues on social identity and diversity for immigrant civic integration," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    3. Svobodova, Kamila & Yellishetty, Mohan & Vojar, Jiri, 2019. "Coal mining in Australia: Understanding stakeholder knowledge of mining and mine rehabilitation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 421-430.
    4. Sousa, C. & Stein, A. & Shapiro, J. & Shanfeld, G. & Cristaudo, K. & Siddiqi, M. & Haffield, M. & Reddy, H., 2023. "“Life becomes about survival”: Resettlement, integration, and social services among refugee parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    5. Rail M. Shamionov & Nasiya J. Sultaniyazova & Alina S. Bolshakova, 2022. "Positive and Negative Affects and Cultural Attitudes among Representatives of the Host Population and Second-Generation Migrants in Russia and Kazakhstan," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-13, October.

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