University of Calgary

Projects/Initiatives

Research is very central to achieving our Faculty's vision and our faculty members have been very busy with their research agendas. In 2005-2006, they have been involved in 140 research projects.

These projects were funded by a variety of sources such as large granting agencies (e.g., SSHRC, CIHR, AHFMR), government departments, corporations, and community organizations.

Research Projects

  • Austin. C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). Elder Friendly Communities Program Demonstration. (City of Calgary, Family & Community Support Services; 2005-2005).
  • Austin. C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). Elder Friendly Communities Demonstration - Ethnic Diversity. (City of Calgary, Family & Community Support Services; 2005-2005).
  • Austin. C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). Elder Friendly Communities Demonstration - multi-cultural community development. (Wild Rose Foundation; 2004-2005).
  • Austin. C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). Elder Friendly Communities Demonstration. (The United Way of Calgary and Area; 2005-2005).
  • Austin. C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). Elder Friendly Communities Demonstration. (The Calgary Foundation; 2005-2006).
  • Austin. C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). Elder Friendly Communities Demonstration. (Calgary Health Region; 2005-2005).
  • Austin, C. (PI)., Sieppert, J. (Co-PI)., & McClelland, R. (Inv). The Elder Friendly Communities Project: Understanding Community Development And Service Coordination To Enhance Seniors' Quality Of Life. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research; 2003-2006).
  • Badry, D. (PI)., & Pelech, W. (Co-PI). FAS Practice Standards Evaluation. (Southwest Child and Family Services; 2003-2005).
  • Badry, D. (PI)., & Trute, B. (Co-PI). The Addiction Severity Index: A Profile of Canadian Women Involved in Home Visitation and Mentoring Programs for the Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. (Public Health Agency of Canada; 2005-2006).
  • Barlow, C. (PI). Canada/European Program for Cooperation in Higher Education and Vocational Training- Displaced Persons Project. (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada;; 2005-2009).
  • Barlow, C. (Co-PI). EU-Canada Student Mobility: Displaced Persons Project. (Tempus Programme-Cooperation with the USA and Canada- Education and Culture, European Commission; 2005-2009).
  • Barlow, C. (Co-I). Course Development: Interprofessional Practice in Community Settings. (URGC-Short Term Project; 2005-2007).
  • Barlow, C. (PI). & Waegemakers Schiff, J. (Co-PI). Suicide Bereavement Peer Support Program: Impact Assessment. (Canadian Mental Health Association; 2006-2007).
  • Barlow, C. (Co-I)., & Rogers, G. (Co-I). Discourses in Conflict: A multidisciplinary study of professional education. (SSHRC;; 2002-2006).
  • Bastien, B. (Co-I). Making Our Heart Sing. (Center of Excellence for Child Welfare Health Canada; 2004-2007).
  • Bastien, B. (PI). & Pelech, W. (Co-PI). Intergenerational Trauma of First Nation Peoples. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2004-2006).
  • Bodor, R. (PI). Searching the Spaces. (A sub-project of the Making our Hearts Sing Project; Health Canada, CECW and CWLC; 2005-2006).
  • Bodor, R. (PI). Caring for the Caregivers: Stories. (The Salvation Army; 2005-2006).
  • Bodor, R. (PI). Bringing the Kids Home. (Saddle Lake First Nations Child Welfare Edmonton Children' s Services Youth Strategies Saddle Lake Boys and Girls Club Blue Quills First Nations College;; 2005-2006).
  • Bodor, R. (Co-PI). Learning Through Knowledge-Aboriginal Program Evaluation of First Nations Language Program. (The City of Calgary;; 2005-2006).
  • Calhoun, A. (Co-PI). & Pelech, W. (Co-PI). An Investigation of the Impacts and Participant Experiences of Calgary Community Conferencing. (Alberta Law Foundation; 2001-2006).
  • Donahue, P. (Co-PI). In from the streets: The Health and Well-being of formerly homeless older adults. (Human Resources Development Canada, National Homeless Initiative; 2005-2006).
  • Enns, R. (PI). Evaluating the Housing Careers of Recently-Arrived Refugees in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. (Prairie Centre of Excellence on Immigration and Integration, Strategic Grant;; 2005-2007).
  • Enns, R. (PI). Evaluating Housing Careers of Refugees in Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg. (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Research Grant; 2005-2006).
  • Enns, R. (PI). Measuring the Psychological and Social Aspects of Integration: Using Focus Groups to Identify Culturally and Contextually Meaningful Variables. (Prairie Centre for Excellence on Immigration and Integration, Joint Initiative; 2005-2005).
  • Enns, R. (PI). Literature Review: Addictions Treatment for Adolescents. (Catholic Social Services - Edmonton;; 2005-2005).
  • Enns, R. (PI). Literature review: Transitional Supports for Children Leaving Community-Based Group Care Programs. (Catholic Social Services - Edmonton; 2005-2005).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). The New Canadian Children and Youth Study. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2002-2006).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). Racism, Violence and Health Study. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2002-2007).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). Father Involvement Research Alliance. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council - CURA; 2004-2009).
  • Este, D. (PI). Fostering Resiliency in Children and Youth: The Role of Fathers. (Health Canada; 2005-2006).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). Immigrant Women, Family Violence, and Pathways Out of Homelessness. (Prairie Center of Excellence for Research in Immigration and Integration; 2004-2006).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). Immigrant Women, Family, Violence and Pathways Out of Homelessness. (National Homeless Secretarial; 2004-2006).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). Pathways to Resilience Across Cultures and Contexts. (Proposal Development Grant MCRI-SSHRC; 2005).
  • Este, D. (Co-I). First Language Family Violence Prevention Groups. (Alberta Children's Services, Government of Alberta, 2005-2006).
  • Gabor, P. (PI). Developing core and Extended Indicators for Family Resource Programs. (Human Resources and Development Canada - under the auspices of FRPC;; 2003-2006).
  • Gabor, P. (PI). Program Evaluation, Web-based Database Design and Management, and Research. (Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs; 2003-2006).
  • Gabor, P. (PI). Evaluation of Family Resource Programs, Phase ?. (HRDC; 2003-2006).
  • Graham, J. (PI). Islam and Social Work: Canadian and International Perspectives on Culturally Competent Social Work Knowledge. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; 2003-2006).
  • Graham, J. (PI). Graduate Student Support Associated with Fraser Professor in Community Economic Development. (The McConnell Family Foundation; 2003-2007).
  • Graham, J. (PI). Research Account for Fraser Professor in Community Economic Development. (The McConnell Family Foundation; 2003-2007).
  • Graham, J. (PI). People and Place Initiative in Forest Lawn, Calgary. (Alberta Real Estate Board;; 2006).
  • Graham, J. (PI). International Grants Committee Award. (University of Calgary; 2004-2006).
  • Graham, J. (PI). Subjective Well Being and the Social Services. (Institute for Advanced Policy Analysis, University of Calgary; 2005-2005).
  • Graham, J. (PI). Islam and Social Services in Canada. (SSHRC Multiculturalism Initiative; 2003-2005).
  • Graham, J. (Conference Co-organizer). Fourth Annual Canadian Conference on Social Work and Spirituality, the Learners, London, Ontario, Canada. (SSHRC; 2005-2005).
  • Graham, J. (Co-I). Essential Skills (SSHRC Strategic Grant): The New Economy Labour Market Study in Alberta and Saskatchewan. (SSHRC; 2004-2006).
  • Graham, J. (Co-I). Localizing social work in Northern Canadian Contexts. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; 2005-2006).
  • Gray, E. (Co-I). Families First Edmonton: Collaboration Among Systems When Augmenting Services for Low-Income Families and the Comparative Effects and Expense of Service Delivery. (AHFMR and Canadian Health Services Research Foundation; 2004-2007).
  • Gray, E. (Co-I). Families First Edmonton Research Program: Measuring Performance of Three Service Integration Models for Low-income Families. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research; 2005-2008).
  • Gray, E. (Co-I). Families First Edmonton: Collaboration Among Systems When Augmenting Services for Low-Income Families and the Comparative Effects and Expense of Service Delivery. (Canadian Institute for Health Research-CIHR; 2005-2011).
  • Hall, B. (PI). Rural Youth Violence: A Focus on health. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical research;; 2002-2006).
  • Hewson, J. (PI). Transitions Project Evaluation. (Bowmont Seniors' Assistance Association;; 2005-2006).
  • Hewson, J. (PI). Detoxification and Shelter Programs: Literature Review. (Calgary Alpha House Society; 2005-2005).
  • Hewson, J. (PI). Intergenerational Programs: An Environmental Scan. (The City of Calgary;; 2005-2006).
  • Ismael. J. (PI). Imagining Iraq: How Iraqi Women Think about Iraq. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; 2004-2007).
  • Ismael. J. (PI). Social Reconstruction for Women and Children: An Assessment Protocol. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council;; 2004-2006).
  • Ismael. J. (Co-I). Integrative Kurdish Development of Station and Nation in Northern Iraq. (Standard Research Grant; 2004-2006)
  • Ismael. J. (Co-Applicant). The Displaced Persons Project: A Euro-Canada Social Work Exchange. (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; 2005-2008).
  • Kreitzer, L. (Collaborator). Canadian-European student exchange program. (HRSDC; 2005-2005).
  • Lafrance, J. (PI). Making our Hearts Sing: Leadership Forums in Alberta. (Health Canada, CECW and CWLC;; 2004-2006).
  • Lai, D. (PI). Multicultural Health Issues in the Aging Population. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research - Establishment Grant; 2003-2006).
  • Lai, D. (PI). Multicultural Health Issues in the Aging Population. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research - Salary Award/Support; 2003-2008).
  • Lai, D. (PI). & Este, D. (Co-I). Experience of Visible Minority Social Work Professionals. (SSHRC - Standard Research Grant; 2003-2006).
  • Lai, D. (Co-I). Complementary and Alternative Medicine use in Chinese Canadians. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research-Health Research Fund; 2003-2006).
  • Lai, D. (Co-I). Assessing depression literacy in the general population. (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research; 2005-2007).
  • Lai, D. (PI). Hidden Costs Invisible Contributions: Marginalization of Dependent Adults. (SSHRC - MCRI; 2003-2007).
  • Lai, D. (PI). Promotion of Healthy Aging in Chinese Culture. (University of Calgary Research Grants Committee; 2005-2006).
  • Lai, D. (PI). Predictors and Effects of Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Canada. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; 2005-2006).
  • MacLaurin, B. (Co-I). Addressing the Effects of Child Maltreatment Through the Lens of Domestic Violence. (Centre of Excellence in Child Welfare; 2003-2005).
  • MacLaurin, B. (PI). Northwest Territories Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. (Children's Services Northwest Territories; 2003-2006).
  • MacLaurin, B. (Co-I). Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-Cycle 2. (Health Canada; 2003-2005).
  • MacLaurin, B. (PI). Alberta Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. (Alberta Children's Services; 2003-2006).
  • MacLaurin, B. (PI). Aboriginal Child Maltreatment Sample for the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. (Centres of Excellence in Child Welfare; ; 2004-2006).
  • MacLaurin, B. (PI). Placement Outcomes Project. (Centres of Excellence in Child Welfare;; 2001-2006).
  • MacLaurin, B. (PI). Aboriginal Child Maltreatment Report for the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2003). (First Nations Child and Family Caring Society;; 2005/2006).
  • MacLaurin, B. (Co-PI). Spectrum of Calgary Street-Involved Youth and HIV Risk: A Community Prevention Planning Initiative of Youth and HIV Service. (Canadian Institute of Health Research; 2004-2007).
  • MacLaurin, B. (Co-I). Development Grant for Homelessness, Housing and Health for CIHR Team Grant Program. (Canadian Institute for Health Research; 2005-2005).
  • MacLaurin, B. (Co-I). Outcome Indicators for Child Welfare Managers in Canada. (SSHRC - KIS Program; with matching funds from McGill, 2006-2009).
  • Miller, P. (Co-I). Family Violence eLearning Professional Development Demonstration Project. (Alberta Ministry of Children Services; 2005-2006).
  • Miller, P. (Co-I). Fostering inquiry through written communication. (University of Calgary, ITBL funding;; 2005-2006).
  • Miller, P. (Co-I). Healthy Minds/Healthy Children Advanced On-Line Learning Continuing Professional Development for Physicians and Allied Mental Health Professionals in Children's Mental Health. (Alberta Health Ministry; 2006-2009).
  • Miller, P. (Co-I). Virtual Supervision: Using Technology (blended learning) to Supervise Social Work Students and New Alberta College of Social Workers Registrants. (Spring/Summer Innovation Fund; 2006-2006).
  • Pelech, W. (PI). & Barlow, C. (Co-I). BSW Access Workplace Practica Evaluation. (URGC Research Grant; 2004-2005).
  • Pelech, W. (Co-PI). Cultural Competencies for Best Practices for Trauma and Violence in First Nation Communities. (SSHRC; 2005-2006).
  • Pelech, W. (PI). Developing the Virtual Access Site. (University of Calgary Inquiry-Based Learning Project; 2004-2005).
  • Pelech, W. (Co-I). Alberta Leadership Forum. (Health Canada; 2004-2006).
  • Pyrch, T. (PI). International Peace Research. (University of Calgary International Grants Committee & University of Calgary Conference Grant; 2005-2005).
  • Rogers, G. (Co-I)., & Este, D. (Co-I). Making sense of partnerships in non-profit child and family service organizations. (Woods Homes of Calgary, Joint Initiatives Division Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; 2002-2005)
  • Rothery, M. (PI)., & McLaughlin, A.M. (Co-I). Evidence-based Decision Making in the Non-Profit Social Services Sector. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Kahanoff Foundation; 2003-2006).
  • Rothery, M. (PI). Faithlink Research Project. (The Calgary Foundation; 2002-2006).
  • Rothery, M. (PI). & Tutty, L. (Co-PI). A Follow-up Study of Male Abusers and their Partners. (University of Calgary Research Grants Committee; 2003-2006).
  • Rothery, M. (PI). Religious (Spirituality Based) Communities and Family Violence. (Status of Women Canada; 2005-2007).
  • Rothery, M. (PI). Evidence-based decision making in the non-profit social services sector (extended into 2005 for completion). (SSHRC, Kahanoff Foundation; 2002-2005).
  • Rothery, M. (PI). Study of Faith Leaders' Responses to Family Violence: Impact of a Community Prevention Program. (Community Mobilization Program Safer Communities Initiative and the Canadian Women's Foundation; 2003-2005).
  • Rothery, M. (PI). A Follow-up Study of Male Abusers and their Partners. (URGC Internal Grant; 2002-2005).
  • Rothery, M. (Co-PI). Religious (Spiritually Based) Communities and Family Violence. (Status of Women Canada; 2005-2007).
  • Rothery, M. (Co-PI). Focus Groups for Women in Spiritual (Religiously-based) Communities. (Office for the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Community Incentive Fund; 2005-2006).
  • Rothery, M. (Co-I). Follow-up Study of Mandated Abusive Men and their Partners. (CURA grant; 2002-2005).
  • Sieppert, J. (PI)., & Hewson, J. (Co-PI). Mixed Income vs. Low Income Segregated Housing Models. (Boardwalk Equities; 2005-2005).
  • Sieppert, J. (Co-I). & Walsh, C. (Co-I). Downtown Community Initiative (DCI). (VP External Office, University of Calgary; 2005-2005).
  • Trute, B. (Co-I). Triage Assessment for Families of Children with Disabilities. (Alberta Centre for Child, Family & Community Research; 2005-2006).
  • Trute, B. (Co-I). Measuring Combined Outcomes for Parent Satisfaction and Child Development in Family-Centred Service Delivery Models. (Child & Adolescent Health Research Development Fund; 2005-2005).
  • Tutty, L. (Site PI). The Justice System's Response to Family Violence Across Canada: Reflections on Regional Specificity and a National common Ground. (SSHRC Cluster Grant; 2004-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Review of the Protection Against Family Violence Act. (Ministry of Children and Family Services; ; 2004-2005).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). YWCA Safe Visitation project-Phase II. (Calgary Foundation; 2003-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). PMS and Mothering. (The Institute for Gender Research, The Society for the Investigation of Child Abuse; 2002-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). An Assessment of the Need to Develop Services and/or Better Engage Victims of Domestic Violence in Drumheller and Surrounding Area. (Alberta Government Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Community Incentive Fund; 2005-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). An Evaluation of the Growth Circle Groups for Abused Women. (United Way of Calgary and Area and FCSS- City of Calgary; 2005-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Action Group Against Elder Abuse Community Initiative. (National Crime Prevention Centre; 2005-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Evaluation of the More Than Four Percent Teacher Training on Bullying. (Alberta Government Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Community Incentive Grants; 2005-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Resource Manual of School-based Violence Prevention Programs Update. (Trillium Foundation of Ontario; 2005-2005).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Evaluation of the Calgary HomeFront Specialized DV Trial Court. (HomeFront funding; 2004-2009).
  • Tutty, L. (Co-PI). Ten-Year Review of the Court Preparation Program. (The Nickel Foundation, Alberta Law Foundation; 2002-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (Co-PI). Environmental Scan of Supervised Visitation Centres. (Alberta Ministry of Children's Services; 2005/2006).
  • Tutty, L. (Co- I). The Hidden Hurt: Evaluating Violence Prevention. A National Study of the Red Cross Respected Programs. (The National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention Strategic Fund; - Trust account holder for 2002-2005).
  • Tutty, L. (Co-I, Site Coordinator). Healing Journey: A Longitudinal Study of Women Who Have Been Abused by Intimate Partners. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council - CURA; 2004-2009).
  • Tutty, L. (Co-I). Domestic Violence Protocol Project in Emergency Rooms. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2004-2007).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Safety Under the Rainbow: Evaluating this Initiative to Address Relationship Violence in the GLBT Communities in Alberta. (Alberta Government Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Community Incentive Grants; 2005-2006).
  • Tutty, L. (PI). Evaluating the Who Do You Tell Training Initiative. (Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse; 2005-2006).
  • Waegemakers Schiff, J. (PI). The Healing Impact of the Sweatlodge. (University of Calgary - start up grant; 2004-2005).
  • Waegemakers Schiff, J. (PI). Investigation of the Impact of the Aboriginal Sweatlodge Ceremony. (University of Calgary Research Services; 2004-2005).
  • Walsh, C. (Co-I). Health Impacts of Violence across the Lifespan: A Multidisciplinary Approach. (CIHR New Emerging Team Grant; 2002-2007).
  • Walsh, C. (PI). Sharing Secrets: Exploring Pathways to Adolescent Maltreatment Disclosures University of Calgary, Start up Grant. (University of Calgary Start-up Grant; 2005-2006).
  • Walsh, C. (PI). Telling: Examining Cross-Cultural Patterns in Maltreatment Disclosures. (University of Calgary, SSHRC Development Grant; 2005-2005).
  • Walsh, C. (Co-I). Enhancing Self-Understanding and Social Integration for Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities. (SSHRC; 2005-2008).
  • Williams, M. (PI). The Workplan for Review of Native Office. (Calgary & Area Child and Family Services Authority; 2004-2005).
  • Williams, M. (PI). Review of the Call-Centre project, Phase II. (Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority; ; 2004-2005)
  • Wilson, M. (PI). Social Workers and Social Transformation: Effectiveness in Social Justice Influencing and Advocacy. (Standard Research Grant; 2005-2007).
  • Wilson, M. (Participant). The Displaced Persons Project: A Euro-Canada Social Work Exchange.(HRSDC 2005-2008).
  • Wilson, M. (Co-I). Capacity-Building for Water Resource Management: Honduras and EI Salvador. (Canadian International Development Agency; 2005-2010).
  • Worthington, C. (Co-PI). Rehabilitation Services for People Living with HIV/AIDS: A National Survey of Selected Health Care Provider Groups. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2003-2005).
  • Worthington, C. (Co-I). The Diagnosis and Care of HIV Infection in Canadian Aboriginal Youth. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2003-2005).
  • Worthington, C. (Co-I). Community Solutions Workshop: HIV Testing and Care Services for Aboriginal Youth. (CIHR Aboriginal community-based research grant; 2005-2006).
  • Worthington, C. (PI). Participation in Clinical HIV Research: Experiences, Influencing Factors and Impacts. (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; 2003-2006).
  • Worthington, C. (PI). Advancing HIV Services Research: Expanding Andersen's Health Service Utilization Framework. (Population Health Investigator - Establishment Grant; 2005-2007).
  • Worthington, C. (PI). CIHR New Investigator Award: Advancing HIV Services Research. (CIHR; - salary award; 2005-2010).
  • Worthington, C. (PI). AHFMR Population Health Fellowship: Advancing HIV Services Research. (Population Health Investigator - salary award; 2005-2008).
  • Worthington, C. (Co-PI). The Spectrum of Calgary Street-Involved Youth: A Community Prevention Planning Initiative of Youth and HIV Service Organizations. (CIHR, HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research Grants; 2004-2006).
  • Worthington, C. (Co-I). Seed Grant: Triage Assessment for Families of Children with Disabilities. (Alberta Centre for Child Family and Community Research; 2006-2006).

Initiatives

Urban Alliance

The Urban Alliance is a collaboration between the City of Calgary and 16 departments/faculties/business units at the University of Calgary. The Urban Alliance pursues common areas of interest related to research, development and education. The Faculty of Social Work is working with the City to address one of nine key result areas: social fabric and security.

For more information, contact Dr. Gayla Rogers, 403. 220.6155, grogers@ucalgary.ca.

Intergenerational Programming Network

The Intergenerational Programming Network is dedicated to raising awareness about the value of intergenerational programming in Calgary and enhancing the capacities of individuals and organizations interested in developing programs that bring children/youth and seniors together to engage in meaningful activities.

The development of the Network arose from the results of a literature review and environmental scan of intergenerational programming in Calgary. This research project was conducted by the Centre for Social Work Research and Professional Development in collaboration with the City of Calgary and LINKages Society of Alberta in the fall 2005.

Throughout the year the Network offered networking and educational opportunities (approved for ACSW credit) which addressed a variety of intergenerational topics. The strategic plan for the Network includes developing a website to provide additional opportunities for networking, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization.

The Network Steering Committee consists of representatives from the City of Calgary (CNS - Youth Portfolio & Seniors Services), the Centre Director, LINKages, and other community agencies, including Calgary Seniors' Resource Society and Carewest.

For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Hewson, 403.220.6641, jahewson@ucalgary.ca.

Digital Storytelling

In 2007, the Faculty of Social Work partnered with the Centre for Digital Storytelling, Berkeley, California to develop a Calgary-based Digital Storytelling Program operated by the Faculty.

Digital storytelling enables participants to combine still images/video, narrative, and music/sound effects using digital media tools to create a
three to five minute digital story. This is a powerful and innovative medium for presenting stories of individuals, agencies, communities, and other groups that surpasses traditional methods of dissemination.

The program is housed within the Centre for Social Work Research and Professional Development. The first phase of the program was funded by The City of Calgary - Community & Neighbourhood Services, the United Way of Calgary and Area, and the University of Calgary.

For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Hewson, 403.220.6641, jahewson@ucalgary.ca.

Social Action Research Initiative

The Social Action Research Initiative (SARI) is a partnership between the Faculty of Social Work and the United Way of Calgary and Area, with support from the City of Calgary's Family and Community Support Services.

SARI was developed to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in the social services. This initiative focuses on social action research with an emphasis on people living in vulnerable situations as well as mobilizing research findings using traditional and non traditional strategies to inform social work practice and social policy. Research topics and mobilization strategies are community driven.

Dr. Debb Hurlock holds a joint appointment with the Faculty of Social Work and the United Way. She is focusing exclusively on developing a social action framework and exploring practitioners' perspectives about research and knowledge mobilization. Dr. Hurlock works in collaboration with the steering committee which is comprised of research, policy, and practice specialists from the Faculty of Social work, the United Way, and The City of Calgary.

For more information, contact Dr. Debb Hurlock, 403.220.7281, dahurloc@ucalgary.ca.

People + Place

The Faculties of Social Work and Environmental Design have collaborated on an innovative initiative called People + Place which explores the interface between the social and built environments.

People + Place has at its heart an understanding that disciplines must work together to solve complex modern problems. People + Place aims to educate social work and environmental design students with knowledge, skills and values regarding the social and design aspects of the built environment.

Ongoing concerns about Calgary's homelessness, crime, poverty, and future development has underscored the need for research, understanding, and innovation in the approach to social issues. Design - both in the physical and in the social structure sense - is a powerful means of making cities better.


Please visit our initiative sites below:

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