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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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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 to get your free CEs today! Webinar Overview Many refugee service providers are mandated reporters—they’re required to […]
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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.
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This guide outlines key RCA rules, distinguishing which aspects are fixed by federal regulation and which areas allow state-level flexibility. This information is intended as a comprehensive reference for understanding where states can shape their RCA programs and where they must comply with uniform federal requirements. The guide covers critical topics including eligibility time limits, […]
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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.
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Use this at-a-glance timeline to track every required service and deadline throughout a client’s Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) service period. This handy reference is organized by milestone so you can quickly confirm what’s due and when, from pre-arrival housing prep through case closure. There’s a dedicated section on separated refugee children and minors to […]
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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 […]
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Hosted on June 17th, 2026, the training was delivered by Maya Wahrman, Training Officer, Switchboard Roundtable Overview Service providers are often drawn to refugee work by a genuine passion to support and uplift newcomers. Yet complex responsibilities and demanding caseloads can make it hard to keep clients at the heart of the work. This webinar will explore what client-centered practice means in the context of refugee and newcomer programs and […]
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This guide summarizes, as of May 2026, the benefits certain humanitarian immigrants may qualify for through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including cash and medical assistance, employment services, English language instruction, and other federally funded programs. It outlines available supports for families with children, adults without minor children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, […]
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Determining whether a newcomer is eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded services can sometimes be a challenge. This resource collection is a starting point for service providers who are new to ORR eligibility requirements and documentation. It does not replace current ORR policy letters, program guidance, or state refugee office instructions. Mainstream public benefits, […]
