RRSC–PR14: Refugee Communities in Vermont and Food Security in Response to COVID-19
Author(s): Pablo Bose, Anitra Conover & Lucas Grigri
March 2021
Abstract: Access to affordable, healthy, sufficient and preferred foods is an ongoing issue for many newcomers in the US, as it is for many other populations across the country. For resettled refugees, food insecurity has particular implications for long-term and successful adjustment to their new homes and for rebuilding their lives. Such challenges have been further intensified as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The onset of COVID-19 has exposed multiple gaps and vulnerabilities within our social, economic and political systems. Like many other ‘natural disasters’ before it, COVID-19 has not so much created a crisis as it has revealed, amplified and worsened the existing vulnerabilities that many in our societies already face. The risks and burdens that fall upon marginalized communities have become especially sharpened in this moment. COVID-19 has highlighted one area of vulnerability in particular: the multiple fault lines in food systems worldwide, which include food processing, harvesting, storage, distribution, supply chains, and access to affordable, nutritious, and adequate foods. Ongoing research at UVM and elsewhere in the US indicates that within Vermont and the US, food insecurity amongst multiple groups has risen sharply as a result of the pandemic.
RRSC–PR13: Telehealth Experiences & Access Report 2021
Author(s): Pablo Bose & Lucas Grigri
March 2021
Abstract: During Summer 2020, AALV and a number of healthcare providers began to receive feedback, comments and questions based on refugee client experiences with telemedicine as a result of lockdowns and closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. AALV thus decided to examine further the experiences of recently resettled refugees with telemedicine, focusing on issues of technology access, scheduling, assessment and treatment options. The following report is based on a survey of 200 AALV clients conducted between September and December 2020.
RRSC–PR12: Refugee Childcare Needs & Careers Report 2021
Author(s): Pablo Bose
January 2021
Abstract: The following report is based on two related surveys conducted by AALV and USCRI of a sample of their clients in December 2020. Individuals currently being served by both agencies were surveyed by staff (including case managers and interpreters) on two
related surveys, the first on childcare needs and the second on childcare as a career. There are a total of 40 respondents for the 28-question career survey and a total of 65 respondents for the 25-question needs survey.
RRSC–PR11: New American Employment Experience in Vermont (Preliminary Report)
Author(s): Pablo Bose, Isabel Dunkley, & Lucas Grigri
January 2020
Abstract: This preliminary report draws from interviews with a total of 27 individuals (10 employers, 13 employees and 4 service providers working in the field of employment assistance) to explore, analyze and document employment opportunities and challenges for New Americans in Vermont. The objective has been to identify important trends: what is working well, where improvements need to be made, and what we can learn about best practices from employers. With this information, the next step will be to create a best-practices toolkit for current and future employers of New Americans to support a safe and welcoming workplace.