The Beyond Bethany Mentorship Program: Equipping Volunteers to Support Asylum-Seeking Women

There are a number of factors that negatively impact the integration of asylum-seekers into the culture and society of their host countries. This portfolio describes the creation of a mentorship intervention to support the integration of asylum-seeking women in an urban community. This included the creation of a mentor role description, application, virtual training, and follow-up surveys. The initial training included 5 mentors. Survey results indicated that mentor training positively impacted volunteer self-perceived readiness for mentorship. It also positively impacted their self-perceived ability to practice trauma informed care and cultural humility in their relationship with their mentee. This project suggests the value of occupational therapy knowledge and skills in the support of persons seeking asylum. Implications of this project include opportunities for advocacy at the local and national level