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This trauma-informed blog post provides practical strategies for service providers supporting forcibly displaced clients through program disruptions, emphasizing safety, transparency, collaboration, and respect for clients’ varied backgrounds and experiences. It outlines specific approaches for managing transitions—from preparing clients in advance to ensuring continuity of care—while acknowledging the emotional toll on both clients and staff. This…
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This template provides a professional and customizable format for service providers referring clients to external organizations or programs. It emphasizes the importance of securing client consent and a signed Release of Information (ROI) form before proceeding. The letter includes sections to personalize details about the client’s situation, the nature of services being requested, and contact…
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Hosted on April 23rd, 2025, the training was delivered by Danica Pucci, Switchboard Training Officer and Jasmine Griffin, MA, LPC, Switchboard Training Officer. ​​Newcomers often encounter complex and challenging situations as they adjust and integrate into society. Conversations with clients about these challenges can be particularly complicated given past trauma exposure as well as cultural…
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While severe mental illness is rare, caseworkers should be knowledgeable about working with individuals facing these issues. This guide will provide foundational information about mental illness and how the resettlement sector can provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed services to support recovery. Please see the companion guide, Supporting Newcomers with Significant Medical Conditions, for more details about…
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Hosted on March 27, 2025 the training was delivered by Jasmine Griffin; Training Officer at Switchboard and Zainab Ahmadi, Masters-Level Intern at Switchboard. This webinar is geared toward direct service staff whose roles include producing case management documentation of client interactions. Supervisors may also benefit from this training to better support staff in maintaining high-quality…
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Hosted on 3/13/25, the training was delivered by Zainab Ahmadi, Master of Social Work (MSW); Sara Dadkhah, MPA, Switchboard Training Officer; Jasmine Griffin, MA, LPC, a Switchboard Training Officer; and, Maya Wahrman, MSW, LSW, a Switchboard Training Officer. Every year, Switchboard receives an abundance of questions from case managers about how to balance caseloads, paperwork…
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This resource, created by Switchboard, provides an overview of mental health challenges faced by Afghan newcomers in the U.S., emphasizing cultural perspectives, stigma, and traditional coping mechanisms.
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In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, “Preparing for the Arrival of High-Risk Medical Cases,” we discuss essential strategies for resettlement service providers working with newcomers who have complex medical needs. Janet Kurczaba, Intensive Case Manager Supervisor, shares her expertise on identifying high-risk cases, collaborating with healthcare providers, and navigating challenges such as Medicaid enrollment,…
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Two impact and three suggestive studies indicate positive outcomes from strengths-based approaches. Five studies were identified that have examined the outcomes of strengths-based approaches with refugee clients. These studies have addressed diverse outcomes including health, mental health, social support, English proficiency, and cultural and community connections. Strengths-based approaches can take many forms and have shown…
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Are you seeking materials in Haitian Creole to support clients you serve? Based on requests from providers, this blog post compiles Haitian Creole language resources to help service providers and clients navigate three crucial areas: personal safety, workplace rights, and health care access. Most resources listed below are available in additional newcomer languages as well.…
