Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
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Hosted on April 23rd, 2025, the training was delivered by Jasmine Griffin, Training Officer, Switchboard; and Maya Wahrman, 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 to get your free CEs today! Newcomers often encounter complex, challenging […]
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Switchboard’s free online self-paced course, Introduction to Strengths-Based Services, introduces a strengths-based approach to services that recognizes clients as capable, resourceful, and resilient. You will learn how to incorporate these principles into your work to empower clients to achieve their goals as they build a life in the United States. Course Objectives After completing this course, […]
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This document summarizes the state of available evidence regarding the impacts of legal services for immigrants. What is meant by “immigration legal services”? Immigration legal services provide guidance and representation to clients navigating the immigration process, such as visa applications (“change of status”) and green card applications (“adjustment of status”). Legal services providers guide their […]
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When working with newcomers, service providers often need to engage in conversations on sensitive and challenging topics. This guide accompanies Switchboard’s webinar and provides context and tips for calm, effective, and trauma-informed conversations with clients. Service providers regularly find themselves struggling to communicate matters out of their control to clients, who can feel disappointed that […]
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Webinar Overview: Collecting and using client feedback data is essential to strong program design and implementation. However, it can be difficult for newcomer service providers to do so effectively, particularly with limited resources. This webinar presented the basics of collecting and using client feedback. In addition to traditional data collection approaches such as surveys and […]
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An end-of-project learning meeting is a meeting, workshop, or other form of consultation that takes place at the end of a project or project cycle. Its goal is to reflect on successes and challenges and capture project learning to inform future programming. You can use this template as a guide when planning end-of-project learning meetings […]
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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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Welcoming a youth into one’s home can feel overwhelming, and caregivers may be unsure where to start. This checklist is designed for service providers helping licensed foster parents (and caregivers in the licensing process) to welcome youth in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Program into their home. Providers can give caregivers this checklist to prepare […]
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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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As a newcomer service provider, you may not always have enough bandwidth to effectively serve all your clients’ needs, or they may require specific support beyond your scope of work or expertise. In these situations, you will need to refer your clients to other colleagues, services, or agencies. This resource provides tips for making referrals […]
