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Refugee service providers across the U.S. are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their work and have already found many useful ways to appropriately implement AI tools. But questions and considerations have also emerged: What about data privacy? What if AI gets something wrong? Can technology really fit into work that’s fundamentally about human connection and […]
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Helping newcomer clients navigate health care, including health care bills, is an essential and challenging task for many caseworkers. This blog post covers two ways you can help your clients with health care bills: preventing unnecessary bills from being sent and guiding them through the steps to take after a bill comes. Key Points Make […]
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Determining whether a newcomer is eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded services can sometimes be a challenge. This resource collection is a starting point for service providers who are new to ORR eligibility requirements and documentation. It does not replace current ORR policy letters, program guidance, or state refugee office instructions. Mainstream public benefits, […]
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Helping newcomer clients navigate the U.S. health care system is both practical and important. This blog breaks down the five types of care, offers guidance on when to direct clients to each one, and includes client-facing resources to help newcomers orient themselves. For refugees and other newcomers, the U.S. health care system may look different […]
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Affordable housing programs in the United States can be complex, especially for staff who support newcomers navigating these systems for the first time. This blog post provides an overview of key affordable housing programs, terminology, and eligibility requirements. Although every community operates differently, these concepts will help you assess client eligibility, make informed referrals, and […]
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As the refugee resettlement sector has experienced a decline in arrivals, and enrollments into Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) programs have reduced, service providers are thinking creatively about outreach. Engaging “overlooked” ORR-eligible populations can help providers meet program goals even when arrival numbers are low. This blog post will help you identify potentially eligible clients […]
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This blog post equips service providers with ready-to-use language for responding to newcomers’ common questions about U.S. taxes. Topics covered include filing requirements, income reporting, refunds, payment plans, and how immigration status intersects with tax obligations. You can use these responses as a starting point for client conversations and refer newcomers to tax professionals for […]
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Are you a service provider working with refugees and newcomers who are ambivalent about change? This blog describes how you can transition from traditional “advice giving” to a more transformative client-centered approach through Motivational Interviewing, including practical tools you can start using today. Introduction Like all people, refugees and newcomers can be ambivalent about change, […]
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Across the resettlement network, staff and partners are noticing an uptick in community questions about newcomers. Many people want clarity about who is arriving and how local services support them. These questions usually stem from uncertainty or limited information. When people have few opportunities to interact with newcomers or understand how resettlement works, conversations can […]
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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 […]
