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Click here for multilingual resources on COVID-19, including new CDC translations.
Also see new updates on Helping Clients Navigate Economic Hardship.
Wellbeing for Service Providers: How Can Organizations Support Staff through the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Refugee service providers are used to putting clients first, working long hours, and moving mountains to meet clients’ needs, no matter how difficult. This work is unique: we are entrusted with helping people who have experienced significant hardship and trauma as they rebuild their lives in a new country. Because our work is unique, our organizations have a unique role in supporting us.
Resource Round-up: Multilingual Tutorials on Zoom and Other Online Platforms
In the shift to virtual services, including home-based learning, many clients are learning how to use videoconferencing platforms like Zoom for the first time. School districts are using a wide range of these programs to communicate with students and families, while refugee service providers are leveraging them in the course of virtual case management, English language classes, job readiness training, etc.
It can be difficult to find multilingual tutorials on using these platforms. The following videos and other materials may be helpful.
Wellbeing for Refugee Service Providers during COVID-19: Am I Ok?
As the coronavirus pandemic redefines “normal,” many people are experiencing more symptoms of emotional distress. For most of us, seeing some of these signs some of the time isn’t too concerning. It’s when we begin to feel this way most of the time that it can become alarming. Learning to recognize signs of emotional distress in ourselves or our loved ones is one step towards beginning to cope.
Resource Round-up: Workplace Safety for Essential Workers
While some of our clients have experienced difficult layoffs or furloughs, others are continuing to serve our communities through their daily work. Essential workers range from child care providers and healthcare professionals to grocery store staff and meatpacking employees. How can we support the wellbeing of clients who must work?
Newly Updated: Helping Your Clients Navigate Economic Hardship During the COVID-19 Crisis
While resettlement staff may have the option of working from home, many clients do not. Many industries in which our clients work have been profoundly impacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, for many clients, this will mean reduced hours or even loss of employment. As clients face challenges related to employment and reach out to you with questions, we want to help you be prepared. Here are some resources to get you started on helping clients to understand their rights and access federal and state benefits, as well as information about other non-governmental resources.
Providing Successful Remote Services During the COVID-19 Crisis: Tips from the International Institute of New England
When a busy human services operation providing critical support to vulnerable people is forced to immediately suspend face-to-face interactions, the sudden transition to remote work is not easy. Staff miss their work spaces, their clients, and each other. Program participants can no longer walk in for assistance, and quick questions that could have been easily answered now require an email or a pre-scheduled phone call. But as difficult as things may be, it is important to remember that it is still possible to provide support to clients.
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Featured Resources
Supporting Refugee Students and Families in Home-Based Learning
Refugee service providers can play a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster equity of access to home-based learning.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) during COVID-19 Response
Hosted on May 5, 2020, this webinar was presented by Jessica Dalpe, Technical Advisor for Women’s Protection and Empowerment,
Ask an Expert: Creating Engaging Virtual Trainings and Meetings
Hosted on April 15, 2020, this webinar was presented by Jamie Bussey, Deputy Director, Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE); Sumita