Robin Peth-Pierce, Public Health Communications Consulting, LLC, North Royalton, OH (USA)
Robyn Rose, Cleveland State University, OH (USA)

Human-animal interaction (HAI) research has revealed the depth and breadth of children’s experiences with pets, especially the bonds that connect them. When those bonds break, children can experience grief equivocal to human loss, yet no interventions are available to support them. A proposed two-phased intervention (psychoeducation and pet loss support group) is described to normalize feelings of grief, maintain continuing bonds, and help parents help their children through what is often their first loss.

Avril Knox, East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX (USA)
Gracie Brownell, East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX (USA)

This study examines the goals and expectations of refugee resettlement from the perspectives of social service providers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Three themes emerged from a thematic analysis of the focus group: the perception of newcomers, the perception of newcomers’ goals, and the perception of newcomers’ expectations. Findings highlight the relevance of culturally responsive practices, informing policies and services that augment refugee integration and long-term success in the United States.

Promita Majumdar, Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan, West Bengal (India)

Family dynamics play a critical role in adolescent development, particularly in marginalized and tribal communities where socio-economic challenges often lead to strained relationships. This intervention examines the effectiveness of a family empowerment program implemented in the tribal tea garden communities of North Bengal. The program engaged parents and adolescents in 10 weekly interactive sessions designed to enhance family bonding, improve communication, and address social challenges.

Angelea Panos, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT (USA)
Patrick Panos, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (USA)

The global refugee crisis has displaced millions of individuals, forcing them to live in camps where they experience ongoing stress, trauma, and uncertainty about the future. Limited access to mental health care exacerbates these challenges, making alternative approaches to psychological well-being essential. Virtual yoga and mindfulness training groups provide an innovative, cost-effective, and accessible method to support the mental health of refugees, offering a structured way to cultivate resilience, reduce stress, and promote healing.

Penelopia Iancu, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB (Canada)
Isabel Lanteigne, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB (Canada)

Cette recherche vise à comprendre l’expérience des parents ayant un enfant avec des problèmes de santé mentale et leurs besoins en matière d’accompagnement. Nous explorons la contribution du groupe auprès de ces familles et la solidarité qui se tisse entre les membres. Le groupe offre aux parents de l’information sur les ressources disponibles et du soutien, permettant aussi d’unir leur voix comme levier à des revendications collectives en vue de combattre les injustices épistémiques.

Andrea Jiménez, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá (Colombia)

La experiencia de intervención con grupos que se presenta, esta referida a una Comunidad Multiespecie Zoolidaria desde la relación que se establece entre humanos y sus perros en la ciudad de Bogotá en Colombia, a la luz de tres componentes que estructuran este tejido comunitario, como lo son: 1. El Perro como agente en el Tejido Zoocial; 2. Vínculos afectivos y de bienestar en comunidades multiespecie; y 3. Espacios públicos, socialización y zoolidaridad.

María José de Dios Duarte, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Castilla y León (Spain)
Andres Astray, Complutense University of Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid (Spain)
Ana Barrón López de Roda, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid (Spain)

Esta investigación apunta algunas ideas de intervención en grupos centrada en el apoyo social y el estrés en personas con enfermedad de Crohn. Se trata de mejorar su tratamiento mediante el retraso de las recaídas (exacerbación de la enfermedad) y el aumento de los tiempos entre los ingresos hospitalarios que precisan estas personas.

Belén Parra, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain)
Chus Rodríguez Gómez, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain)
Ariadna Munté, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain)
Nuria Cabero Olayas, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, (Spain)

Se presenta una experiencia de colaboración entre profesionales de Trabajo Social de los servicios sociales y la Universidad de Barcelona para la mejora del aprendizaje del trabajo social de grupo. Se elabora colaborativamente un material didáctico mediante las grabaciones de los grupos llevados a cabo en los servicios sociales.

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 are provided below. 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.