Elizabeth, NJ

Refugees are people fleeing violence and persecution—in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries in crisis. They are seeking safety and the chance to move their lives forward.

With funds provided through the Department of State's Reception and Placement (R&P) program, refugees are provided with safe, sanitary and affordable housing and basic furniture and household supplies upon arrival in New Jersey. Until refugees become self-sufficient, immediate needs may include access to healthcare, food, transportation and clothing. Refugees may also need assistance obtaining employment, enrolling their children in school and cultural orientation to effectively navigate their new communities.

The IRC in New Jersey offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of newly arrived refugees, individuals granted asylum or humanitarian parole, and the local immigrant population:

Resettlement

• Reception and Placement services for refugees within the first 90 days of arrival include access to safe housing, culturally-appropriate food, health screenings, cultural orientation and referrals for English training, employment assistance and other benefits.
• Intensive case management up to one year post-arrival for refugees with medical and mental health needs.
• Ongoing support services as needed up to five years post-arrival.
• Family reunification through resettlement: Qualifying family members in the U.S. can file an AOR (Affidavit of Relationship) to bring relatives to the United States through the refugee program. 

Economic Empowerment

• Employment services: Vocational counseling, résumé preparation, job readiness training, job search and placement services, and financial assistance for basic needs with the goal of helping refugees find their first job in America and achieve early self-sufficiency. 
• Career development and professional mentorship: Refugees proficient in English and seeking to reenter their chosen career fields in the U.S. are paired with professional mentors and provided ongoing placement, training and professional certification support.

Education & Learning

• English classes for speakers of other languages (ESOL) targeted for refugees, but open to all adult immigrants in the community as space is available. 
• Job readiness classes focused on U.S. work culture and preparing refugees for employment in their new community.
• Civics and citizenship classes to support legal permanent residents in the process of becoming U.S. citizens.
• Refugee youth program serving over 100 school aged youth with assessments of educational background, school enrollment, parent engagement, language interpretation, and coordination with school staff to promote academic success and psychosocial adjustment. 

Immigration

• Accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals, IRC staff is fully qualified to provide high quality assistance at low cost to refugees and other immigrants. 

Ways you can get involved with the IRC’s work in New Jersey: 

• Fundraise for the IRC in NJ: Create a DIY peer fundraiser to engage and involve your community to raise funds for the IRC in NJ; visit: https://rescue.org/NJFundraiser 
• Donate to our Emergency Fund: The NY & NJ Emergency Fund, named the Robert P. DeVecchi Emergency Fund in honor of the former IRC president, is dedicated to addressing the acute needs of refugees and immigrants. To donate, visit https://help.rescue.org/donate/us-new-york-ny 
• Donate Goods: IRC collects specific donations based on current families' needs, including car donations, baby items, hygiene kits, and more! Purchase directly from the IRC NJ’s Amazon Wishlist:https://a.co/73Bl0TQ 
• Hire Refugees: Refugees’ determination to build a better future is an employer’s advantage. IRC supports local employers in assessing and screening entry-level professional candidates.
• Volunteer: Actively seeking interns and volunteers year-round. For a current list of opportunities, visit: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en
• Spread the Word:Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, and ask others to do the same!
• Other Ways to Get Involved: Please complete this form to tell us how you’re interested in helping newly arriving refugees who are making a home in New Jersey, including hiring refugees or offering housing.

For more information, contact [email protected] 

Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees often thrive and contribute to their communities, building careers, purchasing homes and gaining citizenship.