What We Do
Interfaith-RISE provides essential assistance to refugees and asylees who have experienced crises before arriving in our community.
Clients arrive with few resources with which to start a new life – many have spent years in refugee camps or war-torn countries. Interfaith-RISE accompanies clients on their resettlement journey. We coordinate housing, furnish homes, and supply culturally appropriate food. We provide case management and connect families with social services, ESL, and employment training. Our organization utilizes the resources of nonprofits and community volunteers to assist with the many challenges of making a home in a new country.
Over the past year, I-RISE has experienced a significant increase in enrollments for Ukrainians, Cubans/Haitians, and most recently an increase in newly arrived Cuban/Haitian Humanitarian Parolees (and our Afghan clients continue to petition to bring family members over that were left behind in Afghanistan). This jump in numbers has resulted in a growing volume of clients for both of I-RISE’s central and south locations. As more arrivals are coming in, they are relocating to known hubs – especially among our Cuban and Haitian clients – in NJ where other settled clients are located. You can join our volunteer team and donate to make an immediate impact on our ability to support refugee arrivals who continue to come to the U.S. looking for a better life for themselves and their families.
Housing
RCHP-AHC secures housing for refugee clients in communities across central and southern NJ. We consider walking distance to school, being on the bus line, walking distance to downtown areas, parks, and safety. Each home is completely furnished by donations from the local community.
Community Connections
Interfaith-RISE is committed to helping refugees integrate into their local communities, assisted by our many community collaborators of various faith and civic traditions.
ELL
Refugee clients are assessed for English language proficiency, and may attend ELL classes, conversation groups, and receive tutoring.
Employment Services
I-IRSE staff assists refugee clients with securing and retaining employment, through skills assessment, job training, and employment support.
Education
Interfaith-RISE enrolls and supports children in school, connects them with tutors, and helps arrange after school care, child care, and summer camp opportunities.
Case Management
Refugee clients receive various case management services to connect them to benefits, navigate the healthcare system, provide cultural orientation, and other services that assist them to adjust to their new lives in NJ, as they work towards stability and self-sufficiency.