Project glossary
The HEAL glossary is a practical resource for service providers and researchers working with newcomer survivors of gender-based and domestic violence. It provides accessible and culturally responsive definitions of key terms including implementation research, expressive arts therapy, mental health, and trauma-informed care in contexts where expressive arts support healing. This glossary is designed to foster […]
Hiring arts-based facilitators
Expressive arts programs offer a powerful and effective way to support mental well-being among newcomer communities, with arts-based facilitators playing a vital role in shaping and delivering these programs. Hired as fee-for-service contract workers, facilitators bring valuable expertise, lived experience, and creative skills to Access Alliance teams. Establishing clear, thoughtful practices for hiring and onboarding […]
Findings and impact
The HEAL Project demonstrates that trauma-informed, culturally responsive expressive arts interventions can meaningfully support the healing and well-being of newcomer survivors of domestic and family violence. The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights from participants, peer facilitators, and community partners with quantitative measures of program outcomes. This approach provided a comprehensive insight of […]
Healing arts for newcomer well-being event
On November 12, 2025, Access Alliance hosted Healing Arts for Newcomer Family Well-being at the Toronto Reference Library. Attendees were welcomed into a space filled with warmth and colour. It was an energetic, inspiring evening, bringing together community members, and professionals from the arts, mental health, healthcare, and settlement sectors. This event marked the culmination […]
Subgroup program reports
The project piloted the 12-session expressive arts HEAL Program across five distinct newcomer communities, including Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Tigrinya and shelter-based participants, and 2LGBTQI+ groups. Each report highlights the unique experiences, strengths, and needs of newcomer families within these communities. The subgroup reports underscore the importance of tailored gender-based violence support resources and services, challenging […]
Planning documents
These project planning tools provide a comprehensive visual and strategic framework for the initiative, collectively mapping the key inputs, activities, and outputs of the program. The tools also illustrate how expressive arts interventions are structured to support newcomer women survivors of domestic violence. Together, these tools function as integrated guides for program design, delivery, and […]
Milestone reports
Milestone reports capture key moments in the implementation of the HEAL Project. Each report highlights progress each year, successes and reflections. It provides a quick snapshot of the project and how it has strengthened its approach to newcomer mental health and well-being working across all levels of society. Together, they provide a clear record of […]
Expressive arts therapy research
Date: April 18, 2024 Author(s): Akm Alamgir, Christen Kong This research paper explores how newcomer women in Toronto, of specific linguistic and social identity backgrounds, encounter unique and unspoken challenges related to domestic violence and trauma. By using expressive arts as both a healing and research implementation tool, this study highlights social and systemic barriers […]
Stepping up toolkit
The Stepping Up Toolkit is a guide for service providers and organizations to deliver expressive arts programming among 2SLGBTQ+ newcomer communities. Grounded in research and developed through community involvement, it provides promising practices for fostering safety and preventing violence. This resource has been designed to create inclusive, creative spaces with the hopes of promoting healing, connection, and […]