The relocation of Sojourn House allowed its management an opportunity to implement a unique program that would ensure the continued care and support of refugee and their gradual transitioning into Canadian society.   The Transitional Housing Program (THP) is a two-year program designed solely for high trauma refugees who would normally face difficulties settling into the wider society without assistance.  Among others, the tenants should be capable of leading independent lives.    In this issue we talk to Roma Beckles, Trauma Therapist for the Transitional Housing Program. 

Roma is a busy woman, and her responsibilities are many.  Among others, she provides individual, couple, family and group trauma related therapy to current and former tenants of the THP.  She also facilitates psychological assessments for the purpose of refugee hearings while providing co-ordinated case management with internal and external stakeholders.  While no doubt extensively experienced and in possession of impressive qualifications, Roma’s commitment is driven by a love for people regardless of nationality or background; and a desire to see everyone return to a stable life of normalcy. 
Like any program still in its infancy the THP has had its share of challenges.   Asked about these, Roma chronicled them thus, “…The transitional housing component of our service is still in its developmental phase and we are only now learning what aspects of the program need interpreters. Many of the tenants for example have expressed an interest in seeking counselling for their trauma issues. Many of them however have limited English language skills and would greatly benefits from being able to express themselves in their native tongue. Another challenge is the inadequate staff in the THP. At present we are servicing over 100 occupants/tenants with only two staff.  As we engage in the community development and capacity building process, we will be able to expand our programming and realize our long term vision, we would like for example to hire more staff (male trauma therapist, an outreach/crisis support worker). We would also like to develop programs that reflect the holistic needs of refugees. And indeed she takes the challenges in her stride and enjoys her responsibilities anyway, admitting, “What I enjoy most about the job is working with clients from every diverse religious, ethno-cultural and racial background. Despite the myriad difficulties they face, they are extremely resilient and embody what it means to be a survivor. I am both awed and humbled by their courage. What I also love about the job is that, it has challenged me to become a better practitioner. Working with this population is complex as their clinical needs are varied and multi-faceted. It is through working with the most marginalised clients that one can grow both professionally and personally.

Ultimately the effective performance of her responsibilities requires her to draw on attributes that go beyond her academic qualifications.  About these attributes she had this to say, “Carrying out the responsibilities of the job requires one to have both special attributes and professional competence. In terms of personal attributes, one must indeed be patient. I also feel that one needs to be creative, resourceful, non-judgmental, and above all compassionate. In terms of professional or job-related attributes one must have excellent communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. A strong commitment to working from an integrated, anti-oppression, access and equity framework well independently are all essential qualities that enable me to carry out my job responsibilities effectively.
And on the future of Transitional Housing at Sojourn House, Roma believes, “… as we engage in the community development and capacity building process, we will be able to expand our programming and realize our long term vision, we would like for example to hire more staff (male trauma therapist, an outreach/crisis support worker). We would also like to develop programs that reflect the holistic needs of refugees. Programs that encompass social, psychological, spiritual, recreational and political aspect of the refugee experience are all essential in order to restore feelings of wholeness which many refugees have lost as a result of their experience”.

An avid reader, Roma enjoys taking midnight moon-light drives in the country-side with family. She also enjoys traveling and getting into heated debates with groups of friends.
Sojourn House is grateful to its funders, the City of Toronto Shelter, Housing and Support Division – for their support in the establishment and continued operation of the Transitional Housing Program