Feedback session with our members

RAFIO Event Report: Identifying Emerging Needs and Evaluating Services

 

Event Date: July 16, 2024
Location: 310 Olmstead Street

Organizer: RAFIO (Active Resilience of Immigrant Families in Ontario)
Target Audience: Single-parent families, youth, seniors

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1. Introduction

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On July 16, 2024, RAFIO organized a meeting and exchange event bringing together members of three key groups: single-parent families, youth, and seniors. The main objective was to identify the emerging needs of these specific groups and develop appropriate solutions. The event also aimed to recognize and celebrate services that have been well received by the community.​

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2. Objectives of the event

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a. Identifying Emerging Needs: Understanding the recent challenges faced by single-parent families, youth, and seniors.

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b. Developing Solutions: Designing strategies and methods to effectively address these needs.

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c. Evaluating Services: Praising services that have had a positive impact and have been well-received by the community.

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3. Event schedule

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a. Welcome and Introduction

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The event began with a warm welcome for the participants, followed by an introduction by Aissatou Soumaré of RAFIO, who presented the day's objectives and moderated the session.

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b. Discussion

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Participants were invited to share their observations regarding emerging needs, with the aim of:

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- Identifying specific needs: Members of each group shared their recent experiences and challenges.
- Proposing solutions: Participants brainstormed potential solutions to the identified needs.

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c. Presentation of Results

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RAFIO members had the opportunity to present their proposals to all participants. This step provided an opportunity to share each group's perspectives and discuss proposed solutions.

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d. Evaluation of Services

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A segment of the event was dedicated to evaluating the services provided by RAFIO and other organizations. Participants provided their feedback on what worked, strengths, and areas for improvement.

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e. Celebration and Recognition

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The event concluded with a celebration session highlighting services that had a positive impact. Testimonials from beneficiaries were shared to illustrate the effectiveness of these services.

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4. Key results

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a. Emerging Needs

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- Single-parent families: Need for access to affordable childcare. Concerns related to work-life balance.
- Youth: Demand for employment and training opportunities, as well as safe and welcoming spaces for social and educational activities.
- Seniors: Increased need for home visits to break isolation and access to appropriate social and cultural activities.

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b. Proposed Solutions

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- Single-parent families: Find alternative childcare options or increase searches for accredited childcare services.
- Youth: Connect youth with various personal and professional development programs.

- Seniors: Increase home visits and develop events/workshops to bring seniors together and break isolation.

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c. Successful Services​

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Participants expressed significant satisfaction with the following services:
- Free counseling program with our partner, CFS Ottawa.
- Personalized support for resolving daily challenges.

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5. Conclusion

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The event was a success, with fruitful discussions and positive outcomes. The emerging needs identified provide a solid foundation for RAFIO's future initiatives. The proposed solutions, if implemented, could significantly improve the quality of life of single-parent families, youth, and seniors. The recognition of effective services also strengthened community morale and confidence in support efforts.

RAFIO is committed to continuing to meet community needs and implement the recommendations made during this event.

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