Newcomer Support
Newcomer Services team members work together through a trauma-informed approach to deliver a truly welcoming and supportive experience for those who are newly calling Philadelphia home. During the three-month resettlement period, NSC connects refugees and their families to resources that will help them to feel established, grounded, and connected. The Newcomer Support team carefully weaves extensive cultural orientation on navigating life in Philadelphia into every interaction.
The internal programming available at NSC allows for full wrap-around services for newly arrived refugees. Refugees are supported internally with employment programming and intensive case management if needed.
Services Provided
Employment Services: Refer refugees to employment programming so that they can begin to work towards self-sufficiency with secure employment.
School Enrollment: Complete enrollment for newly arrived children in their neighborhood school. Liaise with schools to ensure children have necessary supports in place and language access if needed.
Establishing Safe & Comfortable Housing: Support through the process of identifying, furnishing and preparing housing so that clients have a stable and reliable home in Philadelphia.
Social Services and Government Resources: Support and educate clients through the process of enrolling in social services, public benefits and other community resources.
Cultural Orientation: Educate refugees on how resources such as public transportation, grocery stores, and community groups can help refugees navigate life in Philadelphia. NSC provides a strong general overview, layered with tips, tricks, and details that are most relevant to the individual or family.
Healthcare Navigation: Assist refugees with scheduling their initial health screenings in coordination with NSC's refugee clinic partners across Philadelphia. Additionally, staff provide Health Orientation sessions to support newcomers in understanding the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system.
Adjustment of Status Assistance: Refer refugees to low-cost legal services providers in the community for adjustment of status to Lawful Permanent Resident, once eligible.
In-Kind Programming: NSC holds two large scale distribution events annually. One event is the backpack distribution event; every school age child at NSC is provided with a backpack and school supplies to help them start the year. This event is traditionally held in August, just before the start of the school year in Philadelphia.
The other annual distribution event is NSC’s winter coat distribution event. With the strong support of partners and donors, NSC provides clients with a winter coat, winter accessories and handmade quilts.
Housing Services: NSC provides limited housing services to clients enrolled in NSC programming. NSC housing staff secures safe, affordable housing that allows our clients to have a successful start in Philadelphia. NSC is able to secure housing due to the longstanding landlord partners who support the work of NSC and want success for refugees and immigrants.
