| REFERRALS ImiCare’s growing partnership and collaborative efforts with reputable law firms, non-profit legal services, area Department of Social Services, clinics, food banks, faith-based and other not for profit organizations will serve as sources from which our clients can access a number of workable solutions to their particular concerns. ImiCare will provide limited case management for immigrants in crisis, linking them to the appropriate services and following-up to ensure that their issues are resolved. WORKSHOPS ImiCare organizes routine workshops to further self-development and promote independence. The Immigration Workshops provide a one-on-one consultation with Sergey Potorac, Potorac Law Offices on legal immigration. This allows workshop attendees to review their legal immigration applications and or options with a reputable attorney. The Asset Building Workshops provide information and enrollment into the Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) Program. ImiCare partners with ECDC to present this unique matched savings program and pathway out of poverty. Consumer Protection Workshops provide help for victims of financial fraud and also create awareness about scams. The College Preparation Workshops provide information about the college application process. ImiCare helps college bound students explore tuition assistance options by introducing them and their parents to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and web-based scholarship finders. EDUCATION SUPPORT ImiCare recognizes that the unmet needs of immigrant children invariably impact the school system. ImiCare provides information to parents of school-aged children so their children can succeed in school. Services include: referral for child care and placement in before/after school programs, assisting with child care subsidy applications, arranging for tutoring, enrolling youth into extracurricular activities or service-learning projects and searching for vocational training or post-secondary school opportunities. ImiCare will also serve as a resource center to the schools for inquiries about available multi cultural counseling and other support services. ADVOCACY The needs of the immigrant population are often compounded by intertwining factors of culture, language proficiency, immigration status, etc. Starting 2009 ImiCare will use its blog to create awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and other vulnerable immigrants, as well as applaud the achievement of individuals who have succeeded in overcoming obstacles. We will encourage refugees and other immigrants to let their voices be heard through this important tool. See monthly postings on www.newcomertopic@blogspot.com |