The Karen Organization of San Diego (KOSD) has created a new directory of ethnic community-based organizations (ECBOs) across the United States, organized by state. KOSD developed this directory to improve access to services and strengthen support networks for refugee and immigrant communities throughout the country. This resource is designed to support both newcomers and the agencies that serve them.
The Directory Serves Three Main Purposes:
- Helping refugees and other newcomers find culturally appropriate support in their local areas
- Assisting resettlement agencies and service providers in connecting clients with relevant local resources
- Allowing new and emerging ECBOs to network with and learn from established organizations
Tips for Using the Directory:
- Stay informed: Sign up for newsletters, follow social media accounts, and check the websites of listed organizations to stay updated on their activities and events.
- Find local support: If you’re a refugee or newcomer, connect with ECBOs in your area to access support services or join peer networks.
- Pursue service provider partnerships: If you’re a service provider, reach out to ECBOs to explore potential partnerships for offering culturally and linguistically appropriate support to newcomer clients.
- Engage directly: Don’t hesitate to contact organizations directly for the most current information about their services, programs, or volunteer opportunities.
Further Suggestions:
- Seek alternative referrals: If a listed organization can’t meet your needs or is inaccessible, contact them for recommendations of other suitable providers in your area.
- Verify information: As organizations may change over time, confirm the listed contact details and services before making plans.
- Provide feedback: If you notice any outdated information or know of ECBOs not included in the directory, please inform KOSD to help keep the resource current and comprehensive.
- Share the resource: Help spread awareness of this directory among your networks to maximize its impact and to reach those who might benefit from it.
If you would like your organization to be included in this list or know of an organization that you think should be included, please reach out to KOSD or fill out this form.
More Ways to Find Services
See the resources below for more ways to locate providers serving newcomers in the U.S.:
- Refugee Welcome Collective’s State-by-State Resources for Newcomers and Sponsors (2024)
- Society for Refugee Health Care Providers (SRHP)’s Refugee Healthcare Provider Directory (2024)
- Findhelp.org (formerly Aunt Bertha), available in dozens of languages
- The IRC’s Virtual Resettlement Line (VRL): VRL is a one-stop resource for any prospective clients who are not yet connected to a resettlement agency or who are struggling to access benefits or resources in their community. VRL is staffed by English-, Ukrainian-, Russian-, Dari-, and Pashto-speaking virtual navigators. VRL is open 9am – 5pm ET Monday – Friday and can be reached by calling +1 (212) 551 – 3010 or emailing VRL@rescue.org.
