News from Elizabeth, NJ

Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) Volunteers will work closely with the ESL Lead Teachers and clinical psychology doctoral students to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment. RYSA volunteers must be flexible and comfortable using various methods for teaching English Language Learners with varied levels of education. Throughout their classroom activities, RYSA volunteers will be expected to contribute to the program’s goals of fostering students’ English competence and social-emotional development.

As some of the earliest hit states in the pandemic, NY and NJ responded with empathy, resourcefulness and energy to ensure all new arrivals and established refugees weathered the storm.

The Intensive Case Management (ICM) program works one-on-one with clients to assess their needs and coordinate services accordingly. Work closely with ICM caseworker to address barriers to health and wellness for refugee and displaced clients with severe physical or mental health conditions, the elderly, LGBTQ+ clients, single-headed households, and victims of sexual assault and gender-based violence enrolled in the ICM program. ICM Interns will be responsible for checking in on the well-being of clients, providing comprehensive support when needed, and building clients’ self-sufficiency.

The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. The IRC’s Program Quality and Innovation Unit assists offices which help newly arrived refugees and other low-income individuals reach self-sufficiency by finding entry-level employment and progress to living wage jobs; learn basic financial management skills and build assets; start small businesses; and access Earned Income Tax Credit. Under the supervision of the Tax Site Coordinator, Intern Tax Screeners will ensure that taxpayers have all the necessary information and documents required to complete a tax return. The program is offering services to clients in IRC offices located in Phoenix, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT, Denver, CO and Elizabeth, NJ. The IRC’s goal is to assist 4,000 taxpayers in preparing their returns in a safe, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner – remotely.

In August 2021, the IRC in New Jersey will host a three-week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in Elizabeth and Roselle, New Jersey. The Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) will serve up to 90 students ages 5 – 20, from at least 10 countries in six classes. Students will engage in ESL, creative arts, sports, field trips, and other activities. RYSA interns will work closely with the ESL Lead Teachers, clinical psychology doctoral students to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment.

Assist immigration staff in helping refugees, asylees and other immigrants apply for adjustment of status (green cards), United States citizenship, family petitions, reunification applications, work permits, travel documents, DACA renewals and other immigration benefits.

The RCA Intern assists clients enrolled in the RCA program. The intern may be assigned a group of clients for their caseload, and/or be prepared to assist clients on an as-needed basis.

Under the direction of the resettlement caseworkers, interns will provide direct services to newly arrived refugees and other immigrants. Possible activities include accompanying clients to appointments, assisting them to enroll in public benefits, and showing them how to navigate the New York City public transportation system. Interns will also be responsible for filing and ensuring documentation requirements. Fluency in a language other than English is a plus, but not required (Dari, Burmese, Arabic, or Spanish preferred). A minimum of 15 hours a week is required.

Welcoming New York & New Jersey's spring interns!

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is providing the following information for refugees, asylum-seekers and immigrants about U.S. elections and the Presidential inauguration.