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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Haitian Creole Speakers Can Now Message Settle In for Support

Do you field questions from newcomers who speak Haitian Creole? The Settle In team can help! Settle In responds to direct messages—both through text and voice—on topics including job search, public benefits eligibility, community resources, and more, within one business day. Haitian Creole and French have joined Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, and English as…

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This blog post explores the importance of helping newcomers familiarize themselves with well-established technologies in the U.S. while also empowering them to participate in and benefit from emerging technologies. Below, we highlight four newcomers who have actively used tools such as voice-controlled technology, GPT chat bots, e-commerce platforms, and gamified instruction. By examining these examples…

Newcomers may experience multiple challenges accessing health care, including systemic issues rooted in inequities. As described in our blog post What is Health Case Management?, service providers play a critical role in supporting clients to overcome challenges and advocate for their health. This blog post details tips for assisting clients with three specific challenges: transportation,…

Both service providers and health care providers have the best interests of clients’ health and well-being in mind. However, demanding ​​caseloads and potential ambiguities around roles can hinder collaboration between them. This post will share insights from clinicians and resettlement providers to facilitate coordinated care for refugee and newcomer clients.  Effective communication and collaboration between health…

Internationally trained newcomers—professionals who received their post-secondary education and credentials in another country—bring a wealth of skills, qualifications, and experiences that can greatly benefit our communities and economy. However, they often face unique barriers to resuming their careers in the U.S. In this blog post, written in collaboration with World Education Services, we will use…

This year commemorates the 23rd anniversary of World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20. It is a pivotal moment to spotlight the challenges faced by millions worldwide who have been displaced due to persecution, conflict, and violence. Through events organized by refugee communities and supporting organizations, we can draw attention to the struggles of…

By leaning on protective factors, schools can help refugee students navigate traumatic stressors and recognize their unique strengths. In this blog, we will highlight five key protective factors school settings can deploy to support refugee students’ academic achievement and well-being.   1. Supportive Connections with Adults and Peers Positive relationships with both adults and peers are…