?We've Reimagined the Way We Serve?: Strategies of Community-Based Organizations in New York City to Support Immigrant Women During and After COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Community-based organizations (CBOs) played a critical role in meeting the needs of immigrants during COVID-19. Immigrant women experienced a disproportionate burden of the social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic as a result of intersecting vulnerabilities and constrained access to resources and services. Although extant literature has shed light on some of the key responses by CBOs during COVID-19, less is known about how CBOs incorporated gendered and antiracist approaches in their efforts to promote health equity. Methods: Our study draws on semistructured, in-depth interviews with 19 direct service providers from 15 CBOs that serve immigrant communities in New York City in early 2021. Results: Our findings show that through innovative, gender-responsive strategies, CBOs were able to provide women access to additional material resources, address digital disparities, and mitigate the negative consequences of social isolation and anti-immigrant hostility through interventions that fostered community and social connectedness. Discussion: Through flexible, adaptable, and gender-responsive approaches to programming, CBOs are well positioned to support immigrant women and their communities during times of crisis. CBOs are critical front-line responders due to their understanding of immigration women's intersectional needs and their ability to leverage existing relationships with women and their families. Conclusion: This study adds to the evidence that suggests investments in disaster preparedness should include long-term investments to strengthen CBOs. Moreover, this work highlights the ways that health and social service systems have modified their operations to focus on the promotion of health equity for immigrant women and their communities.

Keywords

• community-based organizations
• health equity
• immigrants
• women