New Americans' Inclusion
Good Practices
New Americans' Inclusion
The project in brief
The project is managed by SEMCA (Southeast Michigan Community Alliance) in Michigan, USA, and started in May 2017. It is still in progress.
At SEMCA, we recognize the importance of helping refugees and immigrants' transition smoothly into their new communities in Michigan. Our goal is to assist them in overcoming language and cultural obstacles and connect them with resources to aid their acclimation, employment, and settlement.
The New American Inclusion (NAI) program aims to support all work-authorized immigrants and refugees by addressing language barriers, undocumented educational and employment histories, and other challenges to their employment and successful integration into Michigan’s economy.
The main goals of the good practice are:
- Assist all work-authorized immigrants, refugees, and asylees with overcoming integration & employment barriers.
- Retain talent in the local workforce
- Enhance diversity and inclusion in the local community
- Create a welcoming environment
Main activities of the Good Practice
- Engage with refugees and immigrants in accessible locations.
- Present the advantages of the NAI program.
- Identify and fulfil the needs of Individual or families.
- Build and nurture strong relationships with local community leaders while ensuring confidentiality.
- Translate marketing materials into multiple relevant languages.
- Collaborate with local ethnic businesses and employers.
- Meet and establish positive partnerships with clients, then assist with their needs and refer them to appropriate service providers.
- Provide follow-up support as necessary.
Elements which helped facilitate the implementation of the good practice
The project's implementation is supported by several key elements:
- Federal and State funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 (Public Law 113-128, 29 United States Code Section 3101, et seq.)
- The Refugee Settlement Program
- Federal regulations outlined in 45 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 400 and 401.
Partners involved
It takes many dedicated partners to create a successful integration into the United States, Michigan and to identify employment opportunities.
- Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
- Office of Global Michigan
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Michigan department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)
- Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
Resettlement partners:
- Samaritas
- US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
- Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSM)
- Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC)
Community Partners:
- Zaman international
- Rahma Worldwide
- Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC)/
- Islamic Center of Detroit (ICD).
- Global Detroit.
- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
- Life For Relief & Development.
- Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF)
- SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc.
- Targeted media platforms within the immigrant community
What challenges were encountered in delivering the project and how were they overcome?
Challenges
- Confidence
- Stereotypes
- Language and culture barrier
How they were overcome
Confidence: By connecting with local community leaders, Faith-based organizations, and having marketing campaigns.
Stereotype: Explain to the host community the benefits of diversity and inclusion and share stories of refugees and immigrants.
Language and culture barrier: Working with local educators, schools, and community organizations to teach English and lifestyle.
Results of the Good Practice
They are no longer referred to as refugees; instead, we consider and treat them as New Americans. Thanks to the program, they have become more welcomed in their communities, which have come to understand their stories and recognize the benefits they offer. Employers gain access to skilled talent who are both dedicated and likely to stay longer. This fosters economic prosperity and enhances local integration.
In what way does the good practice meet one or more of the four objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees?
Objective 2: Enhance refugee self-reliance
By offering and connect refugees, Immigrants and Asylee the (New Americans) to community integration resources, training and employment opportunities.
Submitted by
Sameh Elhady, New Americans' Senior liaison