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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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In the world of immigration legal services, the importance of nurturing the next generation of attorneys cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we discuss one powerful way to do this: well-structured internship programs. Switchboard partner VECINA had the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Sanchez, the supervising attorney for Migration and Refugee Services at Catholic […]
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Switchboard was an integral partner in the 2024 North American Refugee Health Conference (NARHC), which took place this August in Minneapolis, Minnesota, often called the “birthplace” of refugee health. The NARHC highlighted the importance of including voices with lived refugee experience; recognized refugee health as a global continuum; and emphasized cross-sector collaboration and international best […]
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Newcomer service providers in the U.S. face challenges in meeting the diverse needs of ORR-eligible populations, including when serving non-refugee groups such as Cuban and Haitian entrants (CHEs). These newcomers have different eligibility criteria compared to refugees. Service providers frequently report unmet client needs and service gaps, leading to confusion and frustration as they strive […]
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This blog by Switchboard’s partner, Refugee Housing Solutions, introduces the Housing Hub & Directory, a new online platform designed to support housing initiatives for newcomers across the U.S. This resource aims to connect resettlement agencies and other providers and individuals supporting ORR-eligible populations with vital housing information and services. The blog emphasizes the crucial role […]
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The Importance of Institutional Knowledge Refugee resettlement organizations navigate a rapidly changing landscape shaped by humanitarian crises, shifting policies, and evolving client needs. While this creates dynamic work, it can lead to burnout and turnover, which challenges operational consistency and clarity. According to research conducted by Panopto and McKinsey, employees spend approximately 20% of their […]
