Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
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Households may experience food insecurity when access to food is limited, inadequate, or unsafe. Food insecurity affects many families across the United States, including immigrant and refugee households. Collecting reliable data helps community organizations: Understand the needs of the families they serve Design better programs and services Strengthen funding applications Advance advocacy efforts Compare their…
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For newcomers to fully benefit from virtual and information services (VIS), they must be able to navigate technology with confidence. Many newcomers, however, face barriers that limit their ability to engage online, access information, and participate in virtual services. This guide presents five core challenges to digital access, along with steps you can take to…
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As funding streams tighten and resettlement agencies operate with fewer staff, building strong community partnerships is critical. Newcomers’ needs are complex, requiring holistic, coordinated responses that no single organization can handle alone. Yet for many providers, developing effective collaborative networks can feel challenging. Through Switchboard’s nationwide mapping and referral efforts, we have seen firsthand how…
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to make policy changes that will affect many of the refugees we serve. This information is critical for clients to understand, and we encourage you to share it widely so affected individuals can seek legal assistance when needed. For more resources on supporting clients during this time,…
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Information and communication technology (ICT) refers to all devices, software, services, and applications that communicate, process, or manage information. Appropriate ICT is essential for virtual services to newcomers. To develop virtual services and select appropriate ICT, providers need to understand newcomers’ access levels, skills, and preferences. Key areas to survey include language needs, general literacy,…
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Are you working with newcomers and curious about evidence-based practices to support your clients, but you have limited time? Did you know that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can help you begin the research needed to help identify evidence-based interventions more efficiently. This blog walks you through how to use generative AI responsibly to support research…
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Virtual and information services (VIS) are increasingly becoming a part of service provision for newcomers as organizations find innovative ways to connect with clients via technology. The standards we describe below will provide you with guidance for the design, build, launch, and implementation of VIS programming for newcomer clients.
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Strong evidence indicates that trauma-informed school practices hold significant promise for enhancing children’s well-being and academic success. Research on trauma-informed school practices has expanded greatly in the past five years, with the publication of 15 systematic reviews included in this summary. Eleven of these reviews found positive outcomes, including reduced trauma symptoms, better behavior, and…
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Resettlement service providers carry an extraordinary responsibility in supporting refugees and newcomers through trauma, uncertainty, and major life transitions. While the work is demanding in any context, today’s shifting environment adds another layer of complexity as policies and public conversations around immigration continue to evolve. Amid these challenges, providers remain steadfast in their commitment to…
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Guidance for safety-minded virtual service delivery Virtual services are increasing rapidly and reaching newcomer clients across the country. As providers expand into virtual services, they should be mindful of clients’ safety and security needs. All caseworkers involved in virtual services should receive training on these topics. This guide provides a starting point.
