News from Elizabeth, NJ

In it's fourth year, the Refugee Youth Summer Academy brought 90 refugee students together at Kean University for three wonderful weeks this summer.

The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learning among recently arrived adult refugees who have fled persecution in their home country and are rebuilding their lives in New Jersey. IRC will pair tutors with students based on mutual availability. Tutors may support students during ESL classes or during individual or small group sessions. Tutors should be available to volunteer at least 3 hours per week. Strong preference will be given to volunteers who can tutor for a period of six months.

The Adult Education Intern assists newly arrived refugee clients in a multi-level and culturally diverse English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) classroom to gain English literacy and comprehension skills. This intern will also assist in supporting logistics for cultural orientation classes, where newly arrived refugee clients gain an understanding of community resources and expectations for the resettlement period.

The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteers to teach Cultural Orientation classes,  where newly arrived refugees learn about the basics of life in the U.S. Wide-ranging topics such as emergency services,  transportation, and school are covered so that refugees can begin to thrive in their new environment. Volunteers will also help newly arrived refugees explore their neighborhoods and provide follow-up support for individuals needing additional one-on-one assistance.

The IRC in Elizabeth's Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) visited Alstede Farms for a field trip this month. Fresh peach picking, animals, and sunflower mazes made for a great day!

The IRC in NY & NJ's dedicated Robert P. DeVecchi Emergency Fund assists new refugee arrivals and asylum seeking families to address acute needs. With the fund in higher demand than ever before, consider a gift today.

Hosted by Alison Millan, the IRC in Elizabeth's Resettlement Director, community partners gather quarterly to update each other on available resources, shared knowledge, and current issues facing refugees in New Jersey.

Sheila Moreira, the IRC in Elizabeth's Immigration Supervisor, visited New Jersey congressional delegates on an advocacy trip on behalf of immigrant rights, laws, and policies.

A Kean University student, Stephanie interned with the IRC in Elizabeth in the Economic Empowerment department. During her time with the IRC she worked with Yina, a Honduran refugee with a passion for education.

Gul, a student at Rutgers University and IRC intern, worked with the Economic Empowerment team to help clients achieve their employment and career goals. During his experience, Gul connected with Iris, a client from El Salvador.