Mini Program Overviews

Focused on building the economic independence and security of Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants’ (CIRI) clients, our Economic Empowerment Program houses our workforce readiness and job placement services, as well as financial literacy education and the New Americans Microloan Program.

Our program activities are designed to reduce the barriers to employment faced by our clients through a continuum of workforce preparation; training and employment services; job placement and retention support; one-on-one financial counseling; and access to microloan products.

Workforce Readiness and Placement The cornerstone of CIRI’s workforce readiness curriculum is its longestablished Job Club with course content that effectively equips our clients for the American workplace and prepares them to successfully secure and retain employment. Job Club is an interactive, participatory experience that incorporates essential topics including: job search guidance; résumé writing; job application and interview skills; cultural competency and workplace behavior; basic household budgeting; financial literacy and more. Job Club also encourages clients to pursue employment in a variety of different fields that suit their interests, skills, and previous experience.

The Economic Empowerment team engages actively with prospective employers to build relationships that lead to employment opportunities for our refugee and asylee clients. We cultivate relationships with local businesses, build their understanding of the many skills refugees and asylees bring to the workplace, and strive to reduce barriers to employment for CIRI clients.

Working together with local businesses and employers, CIRI is increasing the type and scope of employment opportunities available to our clients. We know that only by securing gainful employment will refugees and asylees be able to embark on the road to economic independence and to become integrated and contributing members of their communities.

cirict.org | (203) 336-0141

Early Employment Matching Grant In partnership with the US Committee for Refugees (USCRI), CIRI implements the federal Matching Grant program, a public-private partnership funded through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at the Department of Health and Human Resources.

The main aim of the Matching Grant opportunity is to help eligible newly arrived refugees, asylees and survivors of human trafficking to attain economic self-sufficiency within 120 days of enrollment in the program.

New American Microloan Program The New American Microloan Program offers access to low interest loans to eligible refugees, asylees and immigrants. Using nontraditional forms of credit history, the Microloan Program creates opportunities for immigrants to access credit and to build a financial identity in America. CIRI works in close collaboration with our lending partners, Community Capital New York (CCNY) and Newtown Savings Bank, who underwrite the loans and make all credit decisions. Through these valued partnerships, CIRI provides Credit Builder Loans, Job Opportunity Loans (for certifications, tools or other job-related needs) and Auto Loans for purchase or repair of vehicles.

For more information or to hire a refugee, please contact Ed Greenwood, Economic Empowerment Program Manager at egreenwood@cirict.org or (203) 336-0141.

Our Results • In the first seven months of 2017, 2017, CIRI placed CIRI placed 52 refugee 52 refugee clients clients in employment in employment positions positions with a with widearange wide of range employers. of employers.

• CIRI clients are employed in • retail, home health care, food services, hospitality services, industry such as stone cutting and metal working, among others.

• From 2016 to 2017, CIRI • increased the number of employer relationships from 6 to 46.

• • In 2016-2017, CIRI successfully closed 10 credit builder loans, 4 4job jobopportunity opportunityloans loansand and2 2auto auto loans.loans.

• • 100% of New Americans Microloan borrowers have timely timely repayment. repayment.

Project Rescue, the Anti-Human Trafficking Program at the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI), serves survivors of human trafficking within Connecticut and raises awareness about trafficking in persons. In cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement, Project Rescue was established in 2006 to serve trafficking victims through comprehensive case management, advocacy, immigration legal aid, and referrals to community service providers. In-house services include social services and medical case management, employment services, and immigration legal services.

Comprehensive Anti-Trafficking Services Although Connecticut is a small state, its proximity to New York City and Boston makes it a prime location for human trafficking. There are two major interstate highways, an international airport and three marine ports on Long Island Sound which are used to transport victims from state to state. There are also Connecticut industries that are fertile ground for labor trafficking, including farms and large factories.

CIRI is the only Connecticut provider that offers comprehensive case management to all survivors, including adults, children, foreign born and domestic survivors. In collaboration with partner agencies and state government, Project Rescue helps survivors gain access to public benefits, therapy, safe housing and the medical care they need to rebuild their lives.

CIRI’s Immigration Legal Services team provides critical in-house legal support to eligible survivors. We deliver statewide training to service providers and law enforcement on victim identification, conduct extensive outreach to increase public awareness of human trafficking, and co-chair the statewide CT Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

cirict.org | (203) 336-0141

Unaccompanied Children Program In addition to the anti-human trafficking work, Project Rescue also serves unaccompanied minors. Our Unaccompanied Children Program provides a necessary safety net for families who have been separated by migration. Through this federally funded program, CIRI provides home assessments and post-release services to strengthen recently reunified families and help them integrate into local communities.

The Home Study and Post-Release staff ensure that unaccompanied children arriving in Connecticut live in safe households where they receive appropriate care and support from responsible adult caretakers. Program participants are referred to CIRI exclusively through our contractor, Heartland Human Care Services.

Services offered include: • Referrals for Social Services, Mental Health and Medical Needs • Community Orientation • Educational Enrollment Assistance & Support • Culturally Competent & Sensitive Services If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us at 203-336-0141, or email us at projrescue@cirict.org.

Identifying Our ResultsHuman Trafficking • In the first potential Recognizing red flags seven months of 2017, and knowing indicators CIRI placedthe 52 refugee clients of human trafficking is a keywith a in employment positions step in identifying victims and wide range of employers. helping them find the assistance CIRI clients are employed in they need. If you are part of • retail, home health care, food a social service agency, work in services, hospitality services, the hospitality or other service industry such as stone cutting industry, or are part of a group and metal working, among that could benefit from training others. on trafficking issues, you can From 2016 toby 2017, CIRI more help save a life learning • increased the number ofor how about victim identification employer relationships 6 to help support survivors. from

tomore information, 46.

For • please contact CIRIsuccessfully In 2016-2017, CIRI at (203) 336-0141, or theloans, 4 closed 10 credit builder National Trafficking Hotline job opportunity loans and 2 auto at (888) 373-7888 or email CIRI loans. at projrescue@cirict.org.

• 100% of New Americans Microloan borrowers have timely repayment.

In 2012, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) established the Survivor Services program to address the complex results of human rights abuses among eligible individuals in Connecticut. Working with refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, and other foreign-born survivors of torture, Survivor Services aims to empower survivors to heal from torture, regain independence, and lead productive lives through the provision of comprehensive, individualized services.

Comprehensive Social and Legal Services In collaboration with a strong network of community providers, CIRI’s Survivor Services promotes healing and independence for survivors of torture and provides access to: • Social and Legal Services • Mental and Physical Health Programs • Psychosocial Wellness Groups Our case managers help survivors of torture meet their basic needs and achieve emotional and economic self-sufficiency through trauma-informed clientcentered case management services. With our community partners, we ensure that survivors of torture have access to ESL classes, employment assistance, financial literacy services, education, aid in applying for food stamps and other benefits, transportation, clothing, toiletries and household items.

Through a partnership with the American Red Cross, survivors can trace missing family members due to conflict or natural disaster. Domestic and sexual violence crisis services are also offered through The Center for Family Justice.

CIRI also ensures that survivors receive highly-skilled, low-cost immigration legal services including representation in asylum applications. CIRI can assist with employment authorization, family reunification, green card, and citizenship assistance.

cirict.org | (203) 336-0141

Mental Health Services The psychological effects of torture can be as damaging and long-lasting as the physical harm of torture, if not more so. Many survivors experience major depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, memory loss, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

The long-term physical effects of torture include scars, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, hearing loss, dental pain, visual problems, abdominal pains, cardiovascular problems, sexual difficulties, and neurological damage.

At CIRI, survivors can access a wide array of services to address both psychological functioning and medical needs related to torture.

How Our Results to Receive Services

•If you In the sevenyou months 2017, or first someone knowofhas CIRI placedviolence 52 refugee clients experienced perpetrated positions with a byina employment government or other armed wideyou/he/she range of employers. actor, may be eligible Psychosocial Wellness Groups for our services. If you are a CIRI clients are employed in •community provider who would retail, home health care, food Groups offer a community space to like to learn more about the services, hospitality services, engage in various activities aimed at prevalence or consequences of industry such as stone cutting breaking cycles of isolation, increasing torture, treatment options, or and metal working, among self-confidence, and providing a CIRI’s services, please contact others. safe space to disengage from past Christina Castellani, the traumatic experiences. Groups include From 2016 to 2017, CIRI •Survivor Services Program women-only activities such as, crafts, increased number of Manager at the (203) 336-0141, gardening, soccer, and a nationallyemployer relationships from 6 ccastellani@cirict.org. recognized Beauty School. to 46.

Connecticut Torture Survivors Collaborative • In 2016-2017, CIRI successfully closed 10 credit buildernetwork loans, 4 CIRI leads the Connecticut Torture Survivors Collaborative, a state-wide job opportunity loans and 2 auto of service providers which aims to increase quality, trauma-informed services to loans. survivors of torture.

• 100% of New Americans Microloan borrowers have timely repayment.

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) operates a Mentor Program that provides targeted mentor support for refugees, asylees and survivors of human trafficking. The pairing of the mentor with a mentee is a targeted process, taking into account the mentor’s interests and skills. The mentor/mentee relationship is focused on empowering the mentee to identify and reach his/her self-identified, selfsufficiency goals.

Life-changing Mentor Opportunities There are a wide range of opportunities for mentors to support their mentees, including: • Learning and practicing English.

• Exploring local resources, such as the libraries, beaches and museums.

• Providing guidance in navigating health care and education systems.

CIRI’s Mentor Program allows volunteers to connect more directly with clients and to have an immediate and intimate impact on an individual or family as they seek stability in their new lives in America. The outcome for both the mentor and mentee is a life-changing experience.

Workforce Readiness and Placement The Mentor Program has a minimum commitment of six months with the expectation that mentors will spend at least two hours per week with their mentee(s). Prospective mentors participate in a group mentor training and, following an application and background check process, are matched with their mentee. Mentors attend monthly mentor meetings during which they can share ideas, ask questions and acquire new resources to support the mentor relationship. To learn more about the Mentor Program, please contact XXXXXX at xxxxxx@cirict.org.

cirict.org | (203) 336-0141

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers and mentors make a significant difference in the lives of refugees, immigrants, asylees and survivors whom CIRI serves. In 2016, CIRI had 102 volunteers – including interns, pro bono attorneys and pro bono mental health evaluators – who collectively contributed 6,343 hours.

In addition, 42 mentors contributed 1,675 hours to supporting refugees on their paths to self-reliance and independence.

You can make a difference to the lives of CIRI clients! As a volunteer or mentor you can: • Set-up and furnish an apartment for a newly arriving refugee.

• Accompany CIRI clients on medical appointments.

• Assist a refugee in preparing a resume.

• Share your expertise as a guest speaker at Job Club or Beauty School.

• Tutor English or lead Citizenship class.

• Participate in planning World Refugee Day.

OurBono Results Pro Attorney

•Our In the first sevenLegal months of 2017, Immigration Services CIRI placedrelies 52 refugee department on proclients bono in employment positions with a attorneys to help us represent wide range of employers. asylum seekers and other clients whoseare cases require in CIRI clients employed •extensive court representation. retail, home health care, food CIRI manages the statewide Pro services, hospitality services, Bono Attorney Network.

To learn industry such as stone cutting more bono among attorney and about metal pro working, opportunities, please contact others.

Alicia Kinsman, Esq. at From 2016 to 2017, CIRI •akinsman@cirict.org. increased the number of employer relationships from 6 Corporate Volunteers to 46.

• that include administrative CIRI also offers corporate volunteer opportunities In 2016-2017, CIRI successfully and operational support, creation of marketing materials or videos, closed 10 credit builder loans, 4 participation in one-off events such as bicycle or backpack distributions. job opportunity loans and 2 auto Corporations can also select CIRI for employee volunteer activities. loans.

To volunteer or to get more information, please• contact XXXX at 100% of New Americans xxxxx@cirict.org or at (203) 336-0141.

Microloan borrowers have timely repayment.

For over forty years, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) has delivered professional immigration legal services. CIRI’s Immigration Legal Services Program is recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and provides affordable legal assistance to immigrants and their families across the state of Connecticut.

CIRI’s immigration attorneys and DOJ Accredited Legal Representatives provide immigration counseling and representation, and empower their clients so that they understand relevant immigration law and their rights under the law.

Comprehensive Professional Legal Services Our professional Immigration Legal Services team provides skilled and affordable legal aid from offices in Bridgeport, Hartford, Stamford and a parttime presence in Waterbury. Legal services include: • Representation of survivors of • Applications for: human trafficking, domestic Adjustment of status violence and other serious crimes Asylum and related relief • Consular processing Permanent residency for refugees • Removal (deportation) defense and asylees • Document renewals and Naturalization and Certificates of replacement Citizenship Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) CIRI’s attorneys are experts in immigration law and policy and speak extensively across the state to diverse audiences, including immigrant communities, immigrant-serving nonprofits, law enforcement agencies, schools and universities. We provide Know Your Rights trainings and resources informing immigrant communities about their rights and responsibilities. Other community education topics include: general immigration law; asylum and legal protections for survivors of human trafficking and other serious crimes; differences between refugees and migrants; nonprofits’ responsibilities to the immigrant communities they serve.

cirict.org | (203) 336-0141

Know Your Rights CIRI provides critical Know Your Rights information to the immigrant community. We provide valuable resources and tools such as information about deportation and removal proceedings and Family Preparedness Plans in case of an emergency.

Immigration Legal Resource Center CIRI is licensed by the Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) to deliver their 40-hour immigration law training to attorneys and staff of DOJ recognized nonprofits in Connecticut. CIRI is the only agency in Connecticut authorized to deliver ILRC’s nationally recognized immigration law training.

Citizen Preparation Classes CIRI offers Citizenship Classes to help naturalization applicants learn the information needed to pass the exam portion of the naturalization interview.

Client Responsibility

Our Impact Results •InIn the first months Legal of 2017, 2016, CIRI’sseven Immigration CIRI placed 52 refugee clients Services: employment positions Served 3,294 new clients;with a • in wide range of employers.

• Guided 341 lawful permanent residents through their in CIRI clients are employed • naturalization process; retail, home health care, food • services, Helped 40hospitality survivors services, of industry such as stone domestic violence and cutting other and metal working, serious crime obtainamong legal status; others. and

Our program is designed to advise • Secured 22to T-Visas From 2016 2017, for CIRIvictims clients through the immigration • of human trafficking and their increased the number of process. We consider client family members. employer relationships from 6 participation critical to success. We can to 46. only serve our clients effectively when • we have their full cooperation and we expect clients to remain CIRI in close contact • In 2016-2017, successfully with us and to inform us of any changes in circumstances might affect their4 closed 10that credit builder loans, cases. job opportunity loans and 2 auto To schedule an appointment with a memberloans. of our legal team please email immigration@cirict.org or contact one • of CIRI’s offices: 100% of New Americans Hartford Stamford Bridgeport Microloan borrowers have timely 175 Main Street, 2nd Floor 34 Woodland Avenue 670 Clinton Avenue repayment.

Hartford, CT 06013 Stamford, CT 06902 Bridgeport, CT 06605 860-692-3085 203-965-7190 203-336-0141

The US has a proud history of providing refuge to those fleeing war and persecution and is the largest resettlement country in the world. The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) has received and resettled refugees for over fifty years.

CIRI’s Refugee Services is affiliated with the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), one of nine agencies that administers the refugee resettlement program nationally.

Rebuilding Lives Refugees arrive in the U.S. with few personal possessions or assets, but with great resilience, determination and hope. Some refugees had highly skilled professional careers in their home countries. Others are illiterate in their own languages. Every refugee has endured trauma, loss and upheaval.

CIRI helps refugees to rebuild their lives in America, providing supportive services up to five years after arrival in the U.S. For newly arriving refugees, we focus on stabilizing refugee families and meeting basic needs to put them on a pathway to self-sufficiency. We secure and furnish an apartment, provide community orientation, assist with Social Security and Employment Authorization applications, enroll children in school, schedule medical screenings and immunizations, and facilitate enrollment in English as a Second Language classes. Our longer-term services for refugees include: workforce readiness and job placement including career pathway planning; intensive case management for refugees with complex medical or mental health needs; targeted mentorship; academic support for school-age children and youth; legal and psychosocial services for eligible survivors of torture; expert immigration legal services for refugees who have been in the US for one year or longer.

CIRI provides targeted health and wellness services for refugees with complex medical needs, connecting them to specialized medical services. We also engage directly with school age refugee children and youth, parents and educators to support academic preparedness and educational success.

cirict.org | (203) 336-0141

Refugee Journeys Refugees have been forced to flee their home countries because of war, violence or persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

After being forced to flee to another country, eligible people are registered as refugees by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and, if appropriate, referred for resettlement. Resettlement to a third country, when refugees cannot repatriate or cannot remain in their host country, is a viable option for less than 1% of the world’s refugee population.

Our Results Refugee Facts

•• In the are firstover seven There 65months million of 2017, displaced people in theclients world.

CIRI placed 52 refugee Of this number, 22.5 million area in employment positions with refugees. wide range of employers.

• On average, refugees spend CIRI clients are employed in • between 10-15 years in exile. retail, home health care, food • Half of the refugees in the services, services, world arehospitality under the age of 18. industry such as stone cutting • In 2016, CIRI resettled 158 and metal working, among refugees in Connecticut, half others. of whom were under the age of 18. 2016 to 2017, CIRI From • • In increased thefive number of June 2017, CIRI refugee clients graduated from employer relationships high from 6 school to 46. – none of whom spoke • English when they arrived in In 2016-2017, CIRI prior. successfully the U.S. 3-4 years 10 credit builder • closed In the first six months ofloans, 2017, 4 job opportunity loans and 2 auto CIRI placed over 50 refugees in loans.in Connecticut. jobs • 100% of New Americans Microloan borrowers have timely For more information please contact Claudiarepayment.

Connor at cconnor@cirict.org or (203) 336-0141 The US Department of State funds and oversees the US Refugee Admissions Program. Each year, the Executive Branch sets the ceiling for the number of refugees that the U.S. will admit for resettlement. Before coming to the U.S., refugees must pass through a series of security screenings that confirm a refugee’s identity, identify potential security risks and guard against fraud.

Security screenings are administered by the National Counterterrorism Center, Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security. Refugees must also clear biographic and biometric checks, as well as medical clearance checks. If there is any doubt about whether a refugee poses a security threat, he/she will not be allowed to enter the U.S.