Switchboard Blog
Switchboard’s blog posts offer a wide range of insights on the newcomer experience, including practical tips for navigating the resettlement process, resource lists tailored to community needs, case studies about relevant programs, engaging stories of successful integration, and more.
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Six Key Strategies to Recruit LGBTQ+ and Ally Foster Homes for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs)
This blog post provides resettlement providers with practical strategies for recruiting and retaining foster homes that can support LGBTQ+ Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs). Building on
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This blog post explores how Ethnic Community-Based Organizations (ECBOs) can expand their impact by choosing between 501(c)(3) status and fiscal sponsorship. Here, we’ll define both options, discuss scenarios for choosing each path, and examine their benefits and challenges. Featuring insights from leaders of New Chance Inc.—Ukraine Relief Program, United Stateless, and Slavic Refugee and Immigrant […]
- Karen Organization of San Diego
The primary goal of all projects serving newcomers is to impact their lives positively. To achieve this goal, projects must provide services shown to have positive changes. Integrating evidence-based practices early in a project’s cycle can help increase the measurable impacts of programming. This blog post explains the importance of evidence-based projects in the resettlement […]
- Switchboard
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) revised its State Plan Template for Grants to States and Replacement Designees in 2024, impacting the ways that communities approach refugee resettlement and the leadership structure of the mandated quarterly consultation process. Key changes include streamlined administrative processes, standardized health and unaccompanied refugee minor sections, and expanded community engagement […]
- Lillie Hinkle
This blog post is a complement to the June 25, 2024 webinar entitled “Creating Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQ+ Community in Newcomer Services.” It expands the content of the webinar and offers a deep dive into promoting feelings of welcoming and belonging; cultivating intersectional and trauma-informed practices; and building partnership and organizational capacity to serve LGTBQ+ […]
- Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Rainbow Initiative
Do you work in refugee resettlement and feel unprepared to discuss basic nutrition with newcomers? This blog post is for you! Developed in partnership with Leah’s Pantry, this post offers guidance to help you confidently talk about food and nutrition without being an expert. You will learn ways to support healthy habits in the U.S. […]
- Leah's Pantry
Some newcomer populations who identify with Islam adhere to Sharia-compliant finance principles. These principles prohibit interest (riba), late fees, undue speculation, and investments made in certain industries, including tobacco, pork, and alcohol. Sharia-compliant finance emphasizes transparency, ethical investments, and fee-based loans as an alternative to products that carry interest. Unfortunately, bad actors frequently exploit specific […]
- Switchboard