ICNA Relief Refugee Services Program

Our Services

What our resettlement program serve to the Refugee Communities in the U.S.

R&P

Reception and Placement

The Reception and Placement (R&P) program is designed to offer resettlement services during the initial 30 to 90 days following a refugee’s resettlement in the United States. Historically, R&P has been managed by ICNA Relief local resettlement agency offices situated within a 100-mile radius of their respective offices.

Match Grant

Matching Grant Program

The ICNA Relief USA Matching Grant Program, in partnership with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, supports refugees, asylees, and other eligible individuals in fostering self-sufficiency and achieving financial independence through job placement, financial aid, and skill-building support. With up to eight months of assistance, the program aims to help participants secure employment and integrate into their communities within 180-240 days.

ESL

English Language Classes

ICNA Relief USA’s ESL classes equip refugees with the English skills necessary to engage confidently in critical conversations, for example at medical appointments and with potential employers, without needing an interpreter. This educational support enhances immediate communication, fostering greater independence and confidence. It also sets an inspiring example for their children, motivating them to pursue brighter futures and creating a cycle of opportunity and success for future generations and their families.

RCA

Refugee Cash Assistance

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a temporary cash aid program for refugees who are ineligible for other assistance, providing support for up to 12 months from their admission date or certification status. The program focuses on helping refugees achieve self-sufficiency through employment services and social support.

Employment

RSS Employment Program

RSS helps eligible humanitarian immigrants achieve holistic self-sufficiency soon after arriving in the United States, primarily by assisting them in find and maintain employment. The program offers essential support, including English language training, ongoing case management, financial coaching, and specialized services for older refugees. With services available for up to five years, RSS ensures successful integration into local communities.

SAS

Social Adjustment Services

Empowering refugees to achieve self-sufficiency is essential for their successful integration into host communities and fostering long-term stability. Upon arrival in a new country, refugees often face challenges such as language barriers, unfamiliar job markets, and the trauma of displacement. ICNA Relief USA addresses these needs by providing critical tools, resources, and support that enable refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Empowering Refugees to be self-sufficient

Empowering refugees to achieve self-sufficiency is essential for their successful integration into host communities and fostering long-term stability. Upon arrival in a new country, refugees often face challenges such as language barriers, unfamiliar job markets, and the trauma of displacement. ICNA Relief USA addresses these needs by providing critical tools, resources, and support that enable refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

A key component of this empowerment is access to education and vocational training. Many refugees arrive with a multitude of valuable skills and qualifications that may not be recognized in their new environments. To address this vital need, ICNA Relief offers English language classes, which help refugees improve their communication skills and better navigate their new surroundings. Additionally, certification programs in fields like healthcare and technology open doors to gain credentials that are recognized in the local job market. This targeted support effectively aligns refugees’ prior skills and experiences with the demands of the local job market while also addressing their emotional needs and aspirations for fulfilling careers. 

Employment services are vital for fostering financial independence. ICNA Relief provides job placement assistance, resume building workshops, and interview preparation sessions, encouraging refugees to secure stable employment. For example, through our Employment Services, individuals are matched with local businesses, ensuring that they find jobs that align with their experiences, skills and interests. This support not only leads to financial stability but also promotes social integration and enhances confidence.

Access to social services, healthcare, and legal support is crucial in allowing refugees to focus on building their futures. ICNA Relief also offers mental health services and counseling, helping refugees cope with the challenges of displacement and integration. Mentorship and community organizations provide guidance to navigate the complexities of their new lives, creating a supportive network for refugees.

Ultimately, empowering refugees involves recognizing their potential and investing in their success. By fostering self-sufficiency through education, employment, and essential support services, refugees enrich the economic, social, and cultural vitality of their host communities, creating a foundation for mutual growth and understanding. 

FAQs About Refugees

Who are refugees?

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, war, violence, or other circumstances that make them in need of international protection. Refugees are protected by international law under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention

Why are refugees arriving in the United States?

Our programs are designed to help refugees thrive in America, whether by enrolling children in school, empowering adults to achieve self-suffiency through employment and ICNA Relief Programs, or providing families with essential medical care to heal from trauma or illness. The ICNA Relief supports those in need, helping them rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new communities.

Upon arrival, refugees are warmly greeted at the airport by ICNA Relief caseworkers and volunteers, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition. The ICNA Releif also provides newly arrived refugees with:

  • A fully furnished and equipped home
  • Temporary rental assistance
  • Access to healthcare
  • Nutritious, affordable food
  • English language classes
  • Support in building job, computer, and financial literacy skills
  • Education for their children
  • Social services and community support

What other services are offered by ICNA Relief?

ICNA Relief USA Programs has been deeply committed to serving the refugees and in need communitties nationally. We offer access to Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited representatives who assist with applications for naturalization, family reunification, and other immigration benefits. Additionally, as an accredited Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site, we provide free income tax preparation services to anyone during tax season.

How can I help a refugee through ICNA?

Thank you for your interest in ICNA Relief USA Programs! There are many ways to get involved with the ICNA’s local efforts. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Donate: While we receive public funding for initial resettlement and employment services, the additional support and educational programs we offer to refugee families beyond their first few months in the U.S. are made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors like you.

Fundraise for the ICNA Relief: Start your own peer-to-peer fundraiser to engage your community in raising funds for the ICNA Relief. You can also use the “Team Fundraiser” feature to raise money as a group!

Volunteer individually or as a group: Explore our current volunteer opportunities and learn about the application process.

Become an intern: Each semester, we bring on over 20 interns to assist in a variety of areas, including development, education, employment, extended case management, immigration, resettlement, and other direct service programs. Interns play a vital role in our mission, and their contributions are key to the success of our work.

Corporate engagement opportunities: We encourage our corporate partners to organize volunteer events for their teams.

Donate new or gently used items: Learn about the items ICNA Relief collects for refugees nationally.

Spread the word: Host your own fundraising campaign, either online or offline. Stay connected through our newsletter, follow us on Social Media, and encourage others to do the same!

Explore additional ways to help: Employ refugees, become an advocate, purchase produce from refugee gardeners, and more!

What do refugees contribute to Communities?

The contributions of refugees to the region are significant. They bring valuable skills, talents, and educational backgrounds that meet the demands of today thriving economy while also enriching the area with cultural diversity that fosters entrepreneurship and small business growth. As refugees integrate into their communities, they earn income, pay taxes, launch businesses, purchase homes, and contribute to the local economy.

Take Action, Make a Difference

Join us in supporting refugees and rebuilding lives. Your contribution matters.