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 September 16, 2026, the training was delivered by Kristen Allen, Training Officer, Switchboard; and Ana Maria Teixeira, Director of Initial Resettlement, International Rescue Committee. At the beginning of 2026, resettlement for newly arriving refugees and other eligible populations underwent a significant change with the launch of the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR). […]
Trauma-focused evidence-based interventions (EBIs) can support healing for children and families who have experienced forced displacement. Most EBIs, however, weren’t designed with newcomer communities in mind. Adapting an EBI to the community you serve helps you reach target outcomes, build trust, and extend care to people that services often miss. Whether you’re a practitioner, a […]
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Supporting newcomers with disabilities requires understanding both the resettlement process and the disability-related systems and services available in the United States. This information guide offers foundational information for providers who help support newcomers with disabilities in navigating rights, services, and community resources in the United States. The guide explains disability rights, accommodations, and services. It […]
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Hosted on September 9th, 2026, the training was delivered by Maya Wahrman, Training Officer, Switchboard; and Kristen Allen, Training Officer, Switchboard. Refugee service providers nationwide are engaging with clients remotely through fully virtual or hybrid services, reaching people who might otherwise go unserved. This webinar explored the difference between fully virtual services and hybrid […]
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Hosted on September 2nd, 2026, the training was delivered by Jasmine Griffin, MA, LPC, Training Officer, Switchboard; and Aley Kent, Senior Technical Advisor for Food Security and Agriculture, IRC. Webinar Overview Food insecurity can affect many aspects of a newcomer’s well-being, influencing physical health, emotional wellness, family stability, and their ability to succeed at school, work, and in their communities. While many newcomers may […]
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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 backgrounder contains historical, political, and cultural information intended to cultivate a general understanding of Congolese who are arriving to the U.S. The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is complex and spans decades. Switchboard produced this backgrounder to help the following audiences provide culturally appropriate Cultural Orientation (CO) and other services […]
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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.
