Matching Grant Program
The IRC's Miami office operates one of the largest federally funded Matching Grant Programs in the country. This unique program provides intensive case management, employment services and cash assistance for refugees, asylees, and Cuban lottery parolees to become employed and self-sufficient within four months of their arrival to the U.S.
Refugees and parolees must enroll in the program within the first 30 days after their arrival to the United States. Asylees have 30 days to enroll after their asylum approval date. The IRC in Miami is assisting over 1,000 individuals per year through the program.
Resettlement & Placement
The refugee resettlement program aims to welcome newly arrived refugees and provide assistance that puts them on the road to successful resettlement. The IRC provides to refugees, case management and other services; including cash assistance for basic needs, help in applying for a Social Security card, a comprehensive orientation in their new community and job placement.
Human Trafficking Program
The IRC’s anti-trafficking program, Florida Freedom Partnership (FFP), offers intensive case management, mental health counseling and legal services to assist foreign born pre-certified and certified victims of human trafficking. The Florida Freedom Partnership also conducts outreach and education initiatives to the South Florida regions. To learn more, please visit: www.floridafreedom.org
Any donations to this program would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate, please contact (866) 443-0106.
For volunteer or internship opportunities with the Florida Freedom Partnership, please contact Odyscea Kian at (305) 640-9881 ext. 33 or write to odysceam@theIRC.org
Immigration Services
The IRC's Miami office provides basic consultation to clients on the process of residency and citizenship. We also assist our clients with the completion of immigration forms.
Furniture Program
This program was designed to provide furniture and basic home accessories to IRC Miami clients in order to further assist them in their resettlement process. With the weekly donation of new and gently used furniture, we help our clients establish a firm foundation in their new community.
The main goals of the program are:
1. To foster community development by strengthening community relationships between donors and communities in need
2. To improve the quality of life of new residents in the Miami-Dade area through the donation of furniture
3. To increase in kind donations that can be counted towards our Match Grant program on a 2:1 ratio
If you would like to donate furniture or funds to this program, please contact Miguel Molina at (305) 640-9881 ext. 17 or write to miguelm@theIRC.org
Free Tax Preparation Services
Since 2004, the IRC has worked with the Internal Revenue Service to provide free income tax preparation to our clients. In the 2007 tax season, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) served 139 clients and refunded $185,000.
The upcoming tax season will run from February through April of 2008. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, or if you are an employer who would like your employees to take advantage of this free opportunity, please contact Odyscea Kian at (305) 640-9881 ext. 33 or write to odysceam@theIRC.org
