First Advisor

Emily Van Houweling

Reader

Nina Miller

College

Regis College

Degree Name

Master of Development Practice

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Abstract

This paper studies and proposes methods of empowering newly-arrived Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) refugee and immigrant women throughout the integration process by increasing social connectedness. I propose a combination of mentorship model with social activities and mini educational workshops to provide necessary support service for these marginalized groups. The program I developed will focus mainly on newly-arrived female refugees and immigrants and those who are identified as homebound. The mentorship model focuses on matching a small group of mentees to mentors who are long-termed residents in the local community. The mentorship model can assist with attaining knowledge of the new culture/community and giving the target population the opportunity to make friendships. Social activities for the full cohort of mentors and the mentees will promote social interaction, build a strong support network, and provide a safe environment for them to process their emotions and share experiences. Mini educational workshops will facilitate knowledge, build skills, and promote awareness of basic information and existing resources that are available in the community that they live in. In developing this program, I have not ignored the importance of recognizing ongoing challenges these groups have been facing, such as affordable housing, transportation, and access to health care. My proposed interventions are not meant to address these challenges directly. However, I hope these interventions will assist in providing a framework towards women’s empowerment using social capital principles to address the gap of services that these marginalized groups face.

Date of Award

Winter 2022

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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