In 2015, NorQuest College's Building a Better Life project began with a conversation and led to the school's largest-ever research initiative.
The project aimed to improve understanding of the effects of loneliness and belonging on some of our community's most vulnerable people. Results are now in, proving that social programs and activities that many take for granted are critical to reaching life goals.
Some of what the project learned:
- Poverty often leads to uncertain access to basic needs;
- Having a high school or post-secondary credentials doesn't necessarily provide opportunities;
- Many participants seek relationships and talked about wanting face-to-face rather than over-the-phone services and referrals;
- Good health is important when building social capital. If a person feels healthy, they are more likely to build relationships and access services; and
- Discrimination is common. This lessens self-esteem which excludes people from community.
Detailed information can be found on NorQuest College's website in our Research & Innovation area.
"We are extremely excited to share our findings," says project lead Marlene Mulder. "Our hope is that our community can develop an understanding for what we believe are keys to building a better life."
Initial work on the project began three years ago with now-retired NorQuest College instructor and research co-lead Bob Marvin and Mulder. Subjects included Indigenous Peoples, Canadian-born non-Indigenous (CBNI), immigrants, the ever-homeless, and those with poor health and/or problematic substance use. The Social Science Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) provided project funding. NorQuest College partnered with the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), a recognized go-to resource for many marginalized people. Data collection and research protocol followed the Indigenous seven sacred teachings of love, respect, wisdom, courage, honesty, humility, and truth. The research provides evidence that community agencies can use to support marginalized people in their development of social capital and on their path to a better life.
