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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Switchboard’s Annual Survey of Refugee Service Providers (ASRSP): Early Insights and Next Steps
The U.S. refugee resettlement system is evolving rapidly. Shifting policies and new technologies are reshaping how services are delivered, often in ways that directly impact both refugees and the service providers who support them. Yet despite their central role, the voices of service providers are rarely captured systematically. Without their perspective, policymakers and program leaders…
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This blog post is Part 1 of our two-part series on workplace rights for newcomers. In this post, we debunk some common employment-related myths about newcomers and underscore accurate facts. For example, it’s a fact that newcomers can begin working while waiting for their Social Security number; newcomers can choose which valid documents to present…
- Switchboard
This blog post is Part 2 of our two-part series on workplace rights for newcomers. If you haven’t read Part 1: Debunking Common Misconceptions, we recommend starting there for important background information that will strengthen your advocacy efforts. This post offers practical tools to help you support newcomer clients in overcoming common workplace challenges. You’ll learn…
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When screening newcomer clients for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), service providers need mental health screening tools that are simple and easy to use. Below we provide a brief introduction to these tools and links to resources with further information. With appropriate training, referral networks, and organizational support, these tools can be applicable…
- Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers
This blog highlights early childhood education (ECE) as a promising career pathway for newcomers, detailing various roles from child care providers to program directors along with their education requirements. It outlines opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and offers strategies for career advancement through leadership development, certifications, and professional networking. Service providers will find…
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Newcomers who develop digital skills find employment faster and achieve economic self-sufficiency sooner. By investing in digital literacy training, resettlement agencies can help newcomers build confidence and create meaningful connections as they transition from initial support to full workforce participation. Many local resettlement agencies have requested guidance on offering a robust digital literacy (DL) curriculum to…
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This blog offers practical strategies to advocate for wage increases on behalf of newcomer clients facing cost-of-living challenges. It offers concrete approaches for both direct advocacy with employers and for preparing clients to advocate for themselves. The blog also discusses common challenges and legal considerations that could arise. Understanding the Wage Challenge The rising cost…
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