Evaluating arts-based programs
Evaluation is crucial to understanding the efficacy of an intervention. The HEAL Project adopted many mixed method evaluation approaches to measure the change in behaviours, knowledge, and attitudes of participants who completed the program. The evaluation methods focused on relationship-centered and trauma-informed approach that prioritizes dignity, choice, emotional safety, and cultural meaning. Read more about […]
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 […]
Co-design reports
These co-design reports capture the collaborative activities, expert insights, and community-informed processes that shaped the development of the HEAL 12-week expressive arts program. The project gathered knowledge across conference engagement, facilitated co-creation sessions, and in-depth informational interviews. Together, these documents reflect how the HEAL Project integrates Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) to ensure that program […]
Collective painting gallery booklets
These Gallery Booklets feature image insights into 12 collective paintings produced from the HEAL Programs. Six cohorts of newcomer women engaged in the 12 session expressive arts intervention with a total of 52 participants completing both the program and evaluation process. Each booklet provides a glimpse into the transformative power of art as a pathway […]
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 […]
Post-program data collection tools
The post-program resources and tools are designed to assess the long-term impact of the HEAL Program and support sustained engagement with expressive arts. They evaluate whether improvements in self-efficacy, knowledge, and well-being are maintained over time, gather participant reflections on program impact and emerging needs, and explore strategies for sustaining benefits through continued involvement in […]
In-program data collection tools
The in-program resources and tools are designed to support facilitators and program teams in delivering the HEAL Program safely, effectively, and responsively. They offer structured guidance for session reflection, tracking participant needs, and planning next steps; enable consistent, trauma-informed evaluation of participant experiences and program outcomes; and provide mechanisms for ongoing adaptation based on feedback […]
Pre-program data collection tools
The HEAL Project pre-program tools provide a comprehensive foundation to prepare peer researchers, facilitators, and service providers to deliver the HEAL Program safely, ethically, and effectively. These resources offer the knowledge, skills, and protocols needed to ensure trauma-informed and culturally responsive program delivery. Collectively, they strengthen preparedness, clarify roles, and support meaningful engagement with newcomer […]
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 […]