Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
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This backgrounder contains historical, political, and cultural information intended to cultivate a general understanding of Guineans who are arriving to the U.S. Guinea has experienced decades of political instability, and the human rights conditions that lead Guineans to seek asylum are complex and ongoing. Switchboard produced this backgrounder to help the following audiences provide culturally […]
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For most resettled refugees, the next steps in their immigration process are explained during cultural orientation. But many newcomers may still feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the process. This guide is designed to support refugee service providers—including caseworkers, managers, and others who work closely with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible individuals—in strengthening their everyday processes […]
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Are you a supervisor or team leader looking for creative ways to support your team through uncertainty? This blog post explores the role of play in the workplace and introduces unconventional, play-based methodologies that research indicates can help strengthen team connection and renew energy during challenging times. Recognizing Team Changes Leaders are tasked with supporting […]
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This document summarizes the state of available evidence regarding the reciprocal impacts of mental health and economic integration among resettled populations.
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Hosted on August 5th, 2026, the training was delivered by Maya Wahrman, MSW, LSW, Training Officer, Switchboard This webinar is Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) ACE-approved to offer 1.5 Continuing Education (CE) credits. Complete the knowledge check and surveys here to get your free CEs today! Webinar Overview Many refugee service providers are mandated reporters—they’re required to […]
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Confused about how new policy changes affect newcomer health coverage? Use this blog post to identify alternative services and supports that newcomers may still qualify for. Accessing health care in the United States can be complicated, especially for newcomers. Health coverage helps pay for medical care, prescriptions, and other health-related costs. Historically, most ORR-eligible newcomers […]
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Supporting unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) often involves helping foster parents navigate disagreements around household expectations, school requirements, and increasing independence. For refugee foster parents, these conversations are further shaped by cultural differences as refugee youth adapt to life in a new country. Though some foster parents may share aspects of a refugee youth’s cultural background […]
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Hosted on July 29th, 2026, the training was delivered by Jasmine Griffin, MA, LPC, Training Officer, Switchboard, and Kristen L. Guskovict, MS, LCSW, Independent Consultant Webinar Overview People resettling to the United States often face grief and loss at multiple points along their journey. In the most serious cases, this includes the death of loved […]
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Digital technologies are reshaping how refugee services are organized and delivered across the United States. Service providers are increasingly working in hybrid arrangements, engaging clients through virtual platforms, and beginning to explore artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their daily practice. These shifts offer new opportunities to extend reach and improve efficiency, while raising critical questions […]
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The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) involves many post-arrival activities to support newcomers’ early integration in the U.S. Use this tip sheet to identify resources to begin in your work.
