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Services
Refugee Economic Independence Program (REIP) |
Thanks for considering UMNC as a potential grantee for the administration and operations of the Refugee Economic Independence Program (REIP). Toward this end we are submitting a simplified budget narrative to indicate the expenses will expect to incur to take REIP to the next level.
Currently there are (32) adults and (200) youth actively engaged in REIP. This is a significant increase in enrollment of 600% since October 2008. Deductively, the increase in participation is likely attributed to the word of mouth by individuals who receive favorable solutions to their unique issues and/or problems. The refugees engaged with UMNC present a spectrum of challenges. As resolutions to these issues are successfully addressed, new families emerge with issues equivalent to or more challenging than their peers.
Each case taken on by the Program Coordinator creates another layer to the complex service needs of the refugee population. Currently refugees report to UMNC for the following services:
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English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
- After-school and Out-of-school tutoring & programming
- Housing issues
- Interpretation of legal, business, and general mail documents
- Employment referrals
- Individual and family counseling
- Career Options
- Citizenship testing preparation
- Driver License Preparation & tutoring for examination
- Health Education (HIV, personal hygiene
- Transportation to community resource
- Community Resource Identifications
The Program Coordinator is the sole agent available to respond to the extraordinary needs of this population. Volunteers contribute invaluably in teaching citizenship and ESL classes but other needs fall to the Program Coordinator who cannot address these needs realistically with a degree of success.
On the top of the list of services that each family needs is a comprehensive needs assessment. It is gradually coming to light that many of the refugees have extraordinary transferable skills that could transition them from dependency on government to self-sufficiency in a short period of time. Many individuals are under enormous stress due to the situation of family members remaining in their homeland or a post-traumatic effect as a result of their pre-American location. Others are paralyzed by the contemplation of the tasks of assimilating into the American culture. They do not know where or who to go to for help in resolving their particular problems. They are further frustrated and ill-service due to the language barrier.
For more information about REIP, please call (901) 323-4993. If you are interested in either making a financial donation to UMNC, please click here or volunteering, please click here.
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