A Bridging-Community (ABC) Project: A Community Building Social Participation Intervention Among Resettled Refugees in Boston

Abstract

Given the complexities of displacement and resettlement in the United States (US), few resources have been invested in facilitating social relationships, social integration, and social support for recently resettled refugees. Studies indicate low levels of socialization and thus extreme isolation among refugees, suggesting the need to create additional safety nets that encourage social connectivity (Strang & Quinn, 2019). In partnership with a resettlement agency, university researchers developed a pilot study exploring the feasibility and impact of a social participation intervention for a target group of recently resettled refugees. Research facilitators from the A Bridging-Community (or ABC) Project hosted weekly social events for resettled refugees (N=12). Participants were split into three groups and attended social events either two, four, or six times over a four month period. To assess the experiences of participants in the program, survey data were collected at the beginning and end of the program, and semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted upon entry into the program and at the conclusion of the study. Findings suggest that the ABC Project helped cultivate new relationships and a sense of belonging among participants, with stronger results observed among participants who met four or six times. The overall effectiveness of the program was rated highly by all participants, indicating a need for additional research about targeted social interventions among groups at risk for social isolation.