We believe that every refugee and asylee coming to San Jose is capable of successfully making the journey to self-sufficiency. San Jose is home to many established refugee populations and our mission is to help refugees families reunite and rebuild self-reliant lives. IRC-San Jose is committed to helping families meet the challenges they face on their path to economic and social self-sufficiency. We work together with federal, state and local agencies to provide a myriad of programs and services to help speed San Jose’s refugees on their way to new, productive lives. These include:

• Finding, renting and furnishing a suitable apartment for the family

• Providing ongoing orientation about community, safety, employment expectations, and life in the United States

• Health screenings and immunizations for all family members

• Enrolling school-age children in school

• Assisting with applying for Social Security cards, Selective Service registration, MediCal and other government entitlements

• Enrolling adults in English classes

• Providing basic, interim cash assistance to help the family get started

• Developing a comprehensive Resettlement Plan for each family member to help guide them toward self-sufficiency

• Providing Job Readiness Training and employment counseling to all employable adults

• Assisting adult family members in finding their first job