Welcome from IRC New York and New Jersey
Dear Friends of IRC New York & New Jersey,
Thank you for your interest and support of the IRC New York and New Jersey community. The IRC New York Regional Office was founded in 1933 and has resettled tens of thousands of refugees from over 38 different countries, changing staff over the years to meet the cultural and linguistic requirements of the shifting refugee populations. Over 585 refugees are resettled between the New York and New Jersey offices this year. Additionally the IRC assists more than 900 additional refugees, asylees and other qualified immigrants through essential services, health, education, employment, immigration/legal, and youth programs in our three offices located in Manhattan, Staten Island and Elizabeth, New Jersey.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
New arrivals receive acculturation and social adjustment information during the initial months following arrival. Case managers coordinate all essential services such as housing, benefits, education, and employment, Case managers orient refugees to their neighborhoods and introduce them to available services and supports.
LITERACY FOR LIFE
Refugees can attend English classes taught primarily by dedicated volunteers. The IRC also makes referrals to free English programs throughout New York and New Jersey. In addition, volunteer tutors and teachers are matched with refugees who need additional English help. Additional educational services for adults include: financial literacy, health literacy, computer classes, and intensive cultural orientation.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment specialists assist refugees with information on employment,resume writing and interview preparation. They contact prospective employers, arrange for interviews, coach refugees with online and in-person job searches, explain work responsibilities and policies, provide follow-up and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES
The IRC New York is a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited agency with one attorney on staff who is supported by bilingual interns from various local law schools. IRC New York provides a wide range of immigration services, including greencard applications, citizenship preparation and applications, family reunification processing and work authorization documents.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Highly innovative youth programs operate year-round. Youth programs include: a youth summer academy, afterschool programs in international high schools throughout New York City, long-term academic coaching, mini-academies throughout the school year for academic and cultural enrichment, a Saturday learning series and the Leaders in Training program.
We rely on a supportive network of volunteers and generous donors to provide ongoing help and financial support to refugees. We encourage you to become involved in whatever way you are able. Welcome to our community!
Best,
Kelly Agnew-Barajas
Executive Diretor, IRC-NY & NJ
