PUBLISHED BY:
In this blog post, Stefanie Vasquez, Program Manager at World Education Services, shares insights from her conversation with Paula DaSilva-Michelin, EdD, an internationally educated immigrant from Brazil who understands firsthand the barriers newcomers face when trying to re-enter their professions in the United States. As the Director of Programs at the Center for Immigrant Education […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Hosted on November 13, 2024, the training was delivered by Debra Means-West, Director, Network and Resource Development; Hannah Roche, Program Director, Global Talent; and, Heather Webster, Employer Engagement Coordinator, Global Talent. ​​​ Approximately two million newcomers who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher are either unemployed or underemployed in the U.S., according to the Migration […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Recruiting foster parents for unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding homes for teenagers. While many potential foster parents express a desire to foster, common apprehensions about welcoming teens into their homes may deter them from pursuing licensure. Hesitancy to foster teenagers is often due to a […]
PUBLISHED BY:
In today’s polarized climate, refugee service providers play a crucial role in supporting newcomer clients who may feel vulnerable to intensified public rhetoric around immigration and cultural integration. While election seasons often heighten this discourse, other events—such as policy changes, prominent news stories involving refugees, or global crises that drive migration—can also amplify discussions that […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Hosted on October 30, 2024, the training was delivered by ​​Tigest Coleman MSW, LICSW, Deputy Director, Switchboard; ​​Sarah Diner, MPH, Program Officer, Research, Switchboard; ​​Maya Wahrman, MSW, LSW, Training Officer for Client-Centered Services, Switchboard; and, ​​Megan Rafferty, MA, LPC, LAC, Training Officer for Mental Health, Switchboard . ​​Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of refugee service […]
PUBLISHED BY:
In resettlement settings, as in other social service settings, agencies must be prepared to respond to client crises and other critical incidents. Both individual crises and larger threats to the agency and/or staff require immediate and effective responses to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. The development of agency-wide critical incident policies and […]
TOPIC:
SUBTOPIC:
PUBLISHED BY:
Newcomer integration depends on countless individual and systemic factors, and feeling empowered in accessing services in a new community is an essential indicator of success. Newcomer service providers can play a major role in supporting newcomer access to resources in their communities, but it can be tough to know where to start in addressing the […]
PUBLISHED BY:
This resource provides essential safety tips and guidance for refugees and resettlement agencies during U.S. presidential election seasons, when public interest in these communities may increase. It covers how to handle interview or photo requests, manage harassing calls or messages, protect personal information, and enhance personal and home security. The guide also emphasizes contacting a […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Switchboard’s latest self-paced eLearning course, Understanding Identities in Refugee Service Provision, is an innovative course that explores self-reflection and cultural humility in refugee and newcomer services to foster an ongoing commitment to learning about diverse identities and cultures. To give you a taste of what’s in store, we’ve invited Madina Masumi and Maya Wahrman to […]
PUBLISHED BY:
This online self-directed course is designed for anyone working in refugee service provision, including staff who directly serve newcomers and their supervisors. The course is useful in improving your work with refugee and newcomer clients. This course encourages all service providers, regardless of experience, to reflect on how their identity shapes their service provision and […]
