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Programs

Resettlement program

The goal of the resettlement program is to help refugees establish their new homes in the US and begin a course of adjustment to life in the US. Refugees in the Los Angeles area are primarily sponsored by a relative or friend. Before refugees arrive their sponsor is counseled on the responsibility of being a sponsor and what to expect during the experience. After arrival the refugee's case manager gives the refugee an orientation to life in the United States and develops a resettlement plan with the refugee. Fundamentals such as applying for a social security card, a driver's license or ID, opening a bank account, setting up telephone service, enrolling children in school etc. take place in the first month after arrival. Refugees are also scheduled for a health screening by the Los Angeles County Health Department. Caseworkers take time to explain the advantages to early employment and encourage refugees to enroll in IRC's Matching Grant Program.

Employment Program

IRC Los Angeles operates an early employment program called Matching Grant. This is a federally funded program which matches every locally raised dollar with 2 Federally funded dollars. Through this program refugees are assisted to seek employment within the first four months in the U.S. Refugees are counseled on job seeking, and interviewing as well as expectations of the U.S. work environment. A job developer prepares refugees to do their own job search as well as arranging interviews through contacts made by IRC. The Job developer is at hand to help employers understand the value of hiring refugees.

The Match Grant program operates with a high level of community involvement through the use of volunteer effort, financial support from the community and the involvement of local businesses. Individuals and business interested in assisting newly arrived refugees are encouraged to contact IRC's Los Angeles Office to ask how they may be of help.

Immigration Assistance Program

The ongoing immigration needs of refugees encouraged IRC to establish a qualified immigration assistance program. IRC Los Angeles has professional staff - accredited with the Board of Immigration Appeals - to provide legal assistance to clients dealing with immigration matters. Services provided by our office are: