Carole Som, H Louis Lake Senior Center, Garden Grove, CA

Death is something that everyone experiences. Group to Healing is a grief therapy support group that utilizes expressive art therapy, psychoeducation and case management utilizing the theoretical framework of the Dual Model Process of Bereavement. Presentation attendees will understand theory and practical ways to support individuals that are grieving. Materials for Group to Healing will be provided upon request. The proposal for Group to Healing was awarded a SPARC Grant by IASWG.

Leslianne Davis, Private Practice, Raleigh, NC

This session examines group work's vital role in empowering Black mothers during reentry. Learn culturally responsive strategies, trauma-informed practices, and community-building techniques to foster resilience and promote successful reintegration.

Sarah Tennenhaus, CancerCare, New York, NY (USA)

Social isolation and limited support are significant issues among older adults, impacting physical and mental wellbeing. This issue is especially acute for older adults with cancer. This presentation will describe a monthly virtual book club developed to reduce social isolation and increase positive connections among older adults with cancer. Materials selection criteria, recruitment suggestions, and group facilitation pointers will be included.

Isabel Lee, Salem State University, Salem, MA (USA)

This presentation examines how ethnocultural community engagement programs by the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia enhanced vaccine confidence during COVID-19. By leveraging cultural collectivism and intergenerational participation, initiatives such as the Mask-Making Campaign and Korean National Holiday Celebration fostered trust and solidarity. Attendees will learn culturally sensitive strategies for public health communication and explore the role of community solidarity in overcoming vaccine hesitancy in minority populations.

Ahmed Alif, NYU, Astoria, NY (USA)
Veera Mookerjee, Resolveera, Mamaroneck, NY (USA)
Nadia Reedwan, Rotary E-heritage, New York, NY (USA)

This session explores how cultural stigma, gender norms, and structural barriers impact Bangladeshi immigrant mothers' engagement with parenting and mental health interventions. Using an implementation science lens, it examines the gap between efficacy and real-world effectiveness, highlighting strategies for culturally tailored, community-driven interventions. Attendees will gain practical tools for enhancing service accessibility, feasibility, and sustainability, ensuring interventions align with the lived experiences of immigrant communities.