Employment Services
One of the most difficult challenges newly arrived refugee families face is securing gainful employment. Often times they arrive with limited language abilities and without a clear understanding of the U.S. job market.
Our dedicated employment specialists are available to assist refugees with securing employment opportunities. Our services include assistance in constructing individualized employment plans, resume and cover letter writing assistance, completing paper and online job applications, interview preparation, referrals to vocational training programs, assistance with post-hire paperwork, and post-hire assistance to resolve any issues that may arise.
Refugees are legally authorized to work in the US and have social security and I-94 cards. Employers who hire our refugee clients report a high level of satisfaction, often citing excellent attendance, willingness to work overtime, and a high retention rate.
Though some of our clients are highly skilled, the majority of our placements are in entry-level positions, such as hospitality, production line, and warehousing.
If you or your organization are interested in learning more about hiring our clients, please contact Marie Bush, Integration Programs Director, at 615-366-6868 ext 1# or by email at [email protected].
Citizenship Test Preparation
The Center offers regular citizenship test preparation classes at our central office as well as at various locations throughout Nashville.
Our classes focus on preparing students to become U.S. citizens by teaching U.S. history and civics concepts, explaining the N-400 application process, and preparing for the naturalization interview.
Citizenship classes are free of charge and are offered to students with all levels of English-speaking abilities.
Please call 615-366-6868 for more information.
Social Adjustment Services
Newly arrived refugee families often face difficulties accessing and applying for social services that may be needed as they establish a foundation after resettlement.
Our dedicated staff and volunteers are available to support and assist refugees with a multitude of social adjustment services. We offer free assistance to refugees and specialize in the following social adjustment activities:
Applying for affordable housing assistance Accessing affordable healthcare Applying for disability and Supplemental Security Income Applying for unemployment benefits Applying for Families First and TennCare Referrals to other agencies
For more information about our social adjustment services, please contact Hawa Abdullahi, Social Services Coordinator, at 615-366-6868 ext *# or by email at [email protected].
Health Outreach
Many refugees and immigrants have had little access to health care before coming to America and also experience multiple barriers to care once resettled. The Center partners with medical students from Vanderbilt International Connections to provide refugees and immigrants with community-based health screenings throughout the year. Screenings typically include the following services: health recommendations based on Body Mass Index, blood pressure testing, blood glucose levels testing, infectious diseases testing, flu shots (seasonally), and recommendations for low-cost health care providers.
For more information or to request a screening, please call 615-366-6868.