The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) requires resettlement providers to do several activities before a client arrives. Use this tip sheet to identify resources to support your pre-arrival work.
Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
PUBLISHED BY:
The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) requires resettlement providers to do several activities before a client arrives. Use this tip sheet to identify resources to support your pre-arrival work.
PUBLISHED BY:
The deadlines in this tipsheet are measured from the client’s arrival at their final destination or, in cases of walk-in Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, approval of PIR benefits.
TOPIC:
SUBTOPIC:
PUBLISHED BY:
Hosted on July 15th, 2026, the training was delivered by Claire Hopkins, Training Officer, Switchboard, and Jasmine Griffin, MA, LPC, Training Officer, Switchboard Roundtable Overview Refugee and newcomer students experience high rates of bullying and may not understand how to effectively manage these situations, which could lead to social isolation, stress, and even behavior shifts where […]
PUBLISHED BY:
In housing programs for refugees and other newcomers, thoughtful engagement of volunteers and interns can expand capacity and enhance program delivery. The four strategies below can help you successfully partner with a “hidden workforce” of volunteers and interns to support newcomers in finding safe, stable housing.
PUBLISHED BY:
Recent federal changes to Employment Authorization Documents are creating new challenges for newcomer workers and the service providers who support them. This blog post outlines what providers need to know and offers practical strategies for keeping clients employed and connected to services during periods of documentation uncertainty. Across the refugee- and immigrant-serving field, providers are […]
TOPIC:
SUBTOPIC:
PUBLISHED BY:
The Annual Survey of Refugee Service Providers (ASRSP) Pilot surveyed 346 refugee service providers across the U.S. in January 2025 to capture insights into their professional experiences, well-being, and working conditions. This report highlights key findings on burnout, mental health, direct service delivery, workplace safety, and organizational conditions, alongside actionable insights and Switchboard resources for […]
TOPIC:
SUBTOPIC:
PUBLISHED BY:
Professionals working with refugees and other newcomers are often driven by a strong sense of responsibility, but unrealistic expectations and unclear boundaries can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness. Trauma-informed care (TIC) reminds us that client support and staff well-being are deeply interconnected. The four tips below offer guidance for maintaining empathy and clear professional […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Are routine administrative activities limiting your ability to spend time and energy on the casework that really matters? In this blog post, we discuss real-world applications of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can help you address common challenges and free up your time for more complex resettlement tasks requiring human judgment. This is Part Two […]
PUBLISHED BY:
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more common in resettlement service delivery, service providers need practical guidance for introducing these tools to clients transparently, obtaining informed consent, and maintaining trust across cultural and language differences. This guide covers how to prepare for AI use in service delivery, communicate clearly with clients, and respond to common […]
TOPIC:
SUBTOPIC:
PUBLISHED BY:
Substance use concerns among newcomer youth in shared living environments require a thoughtful, non-clinical response that balances household stability with individual support. This tip sheet is designed for service providers and caregivers supporting newcomer youth in foster homes, group homes, independent living settings, or other communal placements. The resource walks through six practical steps: setting […]
