Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
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Are you working with newcomers and curious about evidence-based practices to support your clients, but you have limited time? Did you know that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can help you begin the research needed to help identify evidence-based interventions more efficiently. This blog walks you through how to use generative AI responsibly to support research…
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Virtual and information services (VIS) are increasingly becoming a part of service provision for newcomers as organizations find innovative ways to connect with clients via technology. The standards we describe below will provide you with guidance for the design, build, launch, and implementation of VIS programming for newcomer clients.
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Resettlement service providers carry an extraordinary responsibility in supporting refugees and newcomers through trauma, uncertainty, and major life transitions. While the work is demanding in any context, today’s shifting environment adds another layer of complexity as policies and public conversations around immigration continue to evolve. Amid these challenges, providers remain steadfast in their commitment to…
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Guidance for safety-minded virtual service delivery Virtual services are increasing rapidly and reaching newcomer clients across the country. As providers expand into virtual services, they should be mindful of clients’ safety and security needs. All caseworkers involved in virtual services should receive training on these topics. This guide provides a starting point.
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Tip Sheet for Virtual Service Delivery Understanding your clients’ nonverbal communication in virtual settings can help you identify potential safety issues or other concerns. Keep in mind that nonverbal communication varies by culture, age, sex, and social status, so what may be typical for one client could be concerning for another. Consider these cues collectively,…
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This toolkit, developed by Switchboard, offers refugee service providers an introduction to virtual reality (VR) in the context of resettlement and integration programming. Through this guide, users will learn promising practices for integrating VR as a training tool in programs that support refugees and other newcomers. Future Switchboard resources will provide more details about the…
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Watch this 11-minute video to transform your client communications from drained one-on-one explainer to video-powered problem solver, so you can scale your capacity and increase your impact with the clients who need support the most.
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Participatory methods expand the role and voice of clients in program design, implementation, and evaluation. When well-managed and resourced, they can empower refugee clients and improve services. Participation is a continuum: it can range from informing to consulting to full ownership. Approaches along the continuum vary by time and resource commitment as well as skills…
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This guide summarizes, as of December 2025, the benefits certain humanitarian immigrants may qualify for through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including cash and medical assistance, employment services, English language instruction, and other federally funded programs. It outlines available supports for families with children, adults without minor children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities,…
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Hosted on December 10, 2025, this training was delivered by Maya Wahrman, Training Officer, Switchboard. Every year, Switchboard receives an abundance of questions from case managers about how to balance caseloads, paperwork requirements, and other challenging aspects of case management, such as setting boundaries with clients and creating self-care regimens. This webinar provides guidance on…
