Hear from Senayt Tassew, one of the IRC in NJ’s RCA caseworkers.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a program housed under the Intake and Casework department at the IRC in NJ that empowers individuals to reach self-sufficiency by providing cash assistance disbursement, case management, and referrals for other internal and external services. This past year, the RCA team supported over 1,700 clients, with most caseworkers having a caseload of at least 150 clients at a time. Because of the immense caseload, caseworkers have prioritized case management pieces such as access to financial assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid. 

Senayt has been an RCA caseworker since February of this year, working with clients to disperse cash stipends and connect them with other critical services.

Senayt describes her experience as an RCA caseworker at the IRC in NJ: 

Most of our day-to-day responsibilities lie outside the scope of cash assistance. Serving as advocates, we speak with rental agencies and brokers or Welfare on behalf of our clients.  
 
We operate as a resource, informing and connecting our clients with helpful information as needed.  That is why, whether surprisingly or unsurprisingly, most of our day-to-day responsibilities lie outside the scope of cash assistance.

Senayt Reflects on Her Clients' Journeys

It’s difficult to migrate in almost every sense of the word; physically, technically, emotionally… the road is often long and riddled with obstacles.  

You can’t help but feel emotional when you see a client attain successes that they absolutely deserve. During intakes we assume the role of confidants. We listen to the stories and experiences of our clients and work to find the best ways to help them. When I think about my work, I am reminded of this story: 

A father and son arrived in the United States from Ukraine, a little more than a year after the war started. After mere months, they secured their work permits. Whether or not they’re aware of it, their self-sufficiency skills will be their greatest asset in this country, and wherever else their roads may lead them. Relative to the hurdles they’ve already crossed, other aspects of their journey (i.e., securing public benefits, finding housing, learning English etc.) should be a "walk in the park,” as they say. Despite their limited English skills, they successfully obtained jobs. Their perseverance in an unfamiliar environment was paramount to this success.

The initial financial support provided through the RCA program helped build a foundation for clients to work towards getting their work permits and cover their basic necessities.  

Another client at the IRC had spent the past 12 years trying to come to the United States. For many clients, not knowing when they'll be able to migrate or reunite with their family is the norm. This can result in severe stress and anxiety about their future. As we sat in a corner office in Elizabeth, New Jersey, it was impossible not to think about the numerous hurdles that my client had encountered; from fleeing a country in conflict, to navigating bureaucracy.

Despite the short amount of time that she’s spent in her new home, she has experienced immeasurable joy —reuniting with her son after what seemed to be a lifetime apart. She has already cleared the tallest, most difficult hurdle that one faces. From now on, she will only move in one direction: that of progress and improvement.  

Lessons from Case Management

It’s often difficult to celebrate your own successes when the road ahead is seemingly never-ending. As individuals who work with refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable immigrant populations, we have a unique perspective and the ability to truly understand the degree of a client’s success. It’s important to acknowledge the milestones as they occur, and not as an end result of the resettlement process. 

The IRC in NJ is dedicated to celebrating each and every milestone, no matter how difficult their journey. Learn more about the RCA program and its impact here!