Refugee Assistance Alliance

When refugees join the workforce, everyone benefits. Our employer partners tell us how refugee employees become invaluable team members. One partner shared: 'RAA has been a great partner, filling positions with candidates who become essential employees. The training program has improved customer experience, and employees are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to grow.' At Refugee Assistance Alliance, we're breaking down employment barriers by connecting refugees with jobs AND providing the training needed for long-term career growth. Give today and support life-changing programs that help refugees move beyond survival jobs into sustainable careers. Make a difference today: https://lnkd.in/e8kqpHSf #RefugeeEmployment #WorkforceInclusion #CommunityImpact

The recent indefinite closure of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program creates a critical gap in support for refugees rebuilding their lives in America. Under the program refugees received just 90 days of federal assistance—barely enough time to find housing and secure employment, let alone learn to navigate complex systems in a new country or a new language. Now, grassroots community organizations like Refugee Assistance Alliance are more essential than ever. Data shows that refugees are significant economic contributors, with higher workforce participation rates than U.S.-born citizens and a net contribution of $123.8 billion to the economy over 15 years. But without support they become caught in persistent poverty, often working multiple jobs for wages that fail to keep up with rising costs, leaving them one emergency away from financial ruin. Refugees need more support to reach their potential – not less. Our programs extend assistance for up to three years, with employment training and education to help refugees transform entry-level jobs into sustainable careers. While policy frameworks may change, our commitment doesn't. We'll continue filling these gaps because when refugees succeed, our entire community prospers. Help us in helping more: https://lnkd.in/e8kqpHSf #RefugeeSupport #PolicyImpact #CommunityResponse

The indefinite closure of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program has exacerbated an urgent need for community-based employment support. Refugee Assistance Alliance provides employment and education assistance for three years, helping refugees overcome initial language and skills barriers and build sustainable careers. This approach works: refugees become valued employees, gain promotions, and contribute significantly to economic growth. One local employer partner noted: "The training program has improved customer experience, and employees are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to grow." Swipe through to learn why extended employment support for refugees benefits everyone in our community. Your support makes this possible. Donate today or partner with us as an employer to create career pathways for refugees: https://lnkd.in/e8kqpHSf What workplace training initiatives have you seen make the biggest impact? #RefugeeEmployment #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityImpac

Did you know that refugees only receive 90 days of federal resettlement support in the US? At Refugee Assistance Alliance, we see firsthand how this simply isn't enough time for families rebuilding their lives from scratch in South Florida. That's why our latest newsletter explores how we're extending addressing the critical gaps in refugee employment and education. Refugees face significant barriers to economic stability, with employability rates 23% lower than migrants and declining over time. But there's hope, our workplace training programs and employer partnerships are creating pathways beyond entry-level jobs into sustainable careers. The challenges refugees face are deeply interconnected. Without English skills, finding good jobs is nearly impossible. Without stable employment, higher education remains out of reach. And without community support, these obstacles become overwhelming. Our approach addresses all these factors together, and the impact is clear. As one employer partner noted: "RAA has been a great partner, filling positions with candidates who become essential employees." Click to read more about how we're helping refugees build pathways to long-term success and how you can be part of this important work. #RefugeeSupport #WorkforceInclusion #CommunityImpact

Meet Melissa, one of our dedicated ESL teachers at RAA. Her simple weekly commitment makes a profound difference for refugees starting over in the US. 'What I can do is show up every week and tell her I'm glad she's here - part of our American community and now part of my life.' Through laughter and learning, these connections become mutual gifts. When the world feels overwhelming, small acts of welcome create meaningful change. Join us - become a volunteer teacher today. https://lnkd.in/gFJVEkdZ #RefugeeSupport #TeachEnglish #CommunityConnection

Learning English isn't just about words, it's about finding your voice in a new home. One of our refugee family members shared: 'After a few weeks of RAA classes, I was amazed watching my mom speak English. The teacher helped her move past her fear.' This is why our English programs run for years, not days. Without language skills, refugees face what many describe as 'living behind a wall of silence', unable to speak with doctors, teachers, or neighbors. Traditional programs often don't work for those with zero literacy or those juggling multiple jobs. That's why we provide flexible, personalized instruction that meets refugees where they are. Your support helps break down these walls of silence. Help more refugee families find their voice through RAA's programs. https://lnkd.in/e8kqpHSf #BreakingBarriers #RefugeeVoices #LanguageEmpowerment

Traditional ESL programs leave too many refugees behind. Rigid schedules conflict with shift work, lack of childcare keeps parents home, and transportation challenges make attendance impossible. Many programs aren't designed for those with zero literacy, and one-size-fits-all approaches fail to meet diverse needs. At RAA, we've reimagined language support. Our flexible, personalized ESL program meets refugees where they are, with bilingual teachers, home-based options, and curriculum designed for first-time learners. We know that without English, refugees face what many call "living behind a wall of silence." You can help break this wall. Click to see all the ways you can volunteer with our organization. https://lnkd.in/gVFNP9q7 #LanguageAccess #ESLVolunteers #RefugeeSupport

At Refugee Assistance Alliance, we’ve long known that 90 days of federal support isn’t enough to allow refugees to rebuild their lives and succeed. That’s why our mission has always been to provide more support for longer. But with the Resettlement & Placement Program halted in January, newly arrived refugees who came in December and January have been left without the urgent support they were promised. RAA is stepping up. Through Rapid Response services, we’re ensuring that newly arrived refugees in South Florida get the resettlement support they need—because no one should have to start over alone. Once their urgent basic needs have been met, these new clients will transition into our long-term Community Support, English & Education, and employment growth programs. Our experience shows that comprehensive support over 3 years makes the difference between mere survival and true integration. "I felt like I was living in silence," one refugee told us about life before English classes. Without language skills and economic understanding, refugees remain isolated despite physically being here. The impact is clear: refugees who receive comprehensive, long-term assistance become active, contributing members of our community much faster. You can make a direct impact today. It costs $750 per person per month to provide rapid response resettlement & placement services, or you can donate to fund our extended support programs. Every contribution helps break down barriers for refugee families in South Florida. https://lnkd.in/e8kqpHSf Have you ever considered the challenges refugees face after their initial resettlement period ends? Share your thoughts in the comments. #RefugeeIntegration #CommunitySupport #EconomicEmpowerment #LanguageAccess #LongTermImpact

Did you know that refugees only receive 90 days of federal support when they arrive in the US? At Refugee Assistance Alliance, we know this isn't enough. That's why our programs extend support for 3 years, helping refugees overcome persistent poverty and isolation. In our latest newsletter, we discuss how RAA provides comprehensive support in five key areas - economic, employment, English, education, and emotional assistance. We help refugees navigate complex financial systems, learn English, and build the skills needed for true self-sufficiency. One refugee shared: "After a few weeks of RAA classes, I was amazed watching my mom speak English. The teacher helped her move past her fear." There's so much more to this story. Click to read more about how RAA is filling critical gaps in refugee support and how you can help through donations or volunteering. #RefugeeSupport #CommunityImpact #EconomicEmpowerment

Our 2024 Impact Report is here! Last year, RAA volunteers provided 488 hours of direct support to refugee families in South Florida through home visits, medical appointments, and practical help. We delivered 1,200 hours of English classes, helped families access 342 economic benefits, and built partnerships with local employers for job training. But numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each statistic is a family finding their way in a new home, with neighbors ready to help. Look at our full report to see how community support is making a difference for refugee families in South Florida. #RefugeeSupport #ImpactReport #SouthFlorida #RAA2024