Coptic Orthodox Charities

Refugee reception and placement services: - provides newly arriving refugees with furnished housing, orientation services, food, clothing, social services, and assistance finding employment. The agency's important work ensures clients' progress towards self-sufficiency. Services includes case file preparation and maintenance, pre-arrival services that include apartment set-up, purchase of furniture, food, household essentials, preparation for appropriate hot meals, airport reception, transportation to their new home, housing orientation/personal safety, and clothing as appropriate. Other key services include conducting intake and orientation interviews, developing and implementing a resettlement plan and employment plan during the first 30 days, and monitoring that plan; providing comprehensive orientation within 90 days of arrival; obtaining social security card, bus passes, enrolling refugee children in schools and english language classes for the adults; orientating to the local health care system; orientation to the bus system, and compliance with local motor safety laws (seatbelt, child seats, and number of occupants per vehicle). Additionally, provides employment orientation and job placement, including discussion of the importance of self sufficiency in american society, importance to be on time for job interviews and accepting any job offer to ensure self-sufficiency. Immigration services: - provides survivors of torture, refugees, asylees, immigrants and victims of human trafficking with affordable immigration services including consultation, assessment, and immigration case management. The services also include assistance completing the necessary documentation including application for political asylum, adjustment of status, spouse abuse applications, visa extensions, removal of conditions, naturalization, work authorization, travel documents, affidavit of support, change of status, family reunification, replacement of immigration documents, visa pertaining to human trafficking victims, and religious visa application. The board of immigration appeals (bia) recognizes the agency for their knowledge and service to the immigrant community and as having qualified and experienced bia accredited staff. Additionally, the program provides referrals to affordable and appropriate legal representation related to various discrimination, family law, and criminal related issues. Assistance is also provided through referrals to the refugees, asylees, immigrants and victims of human trafficking who face legal and cultural barriers to navigate the complex law enforcement and legal systems to ensure clients are connected with appropriate human service needs. Education, social and employment services: - provides one-on-one, family and small group orientation and referral services to low-income immigrants, survivors of torture and human trafficking victims to promote long term economic self-sufficiency and effective resettlement. The program goals are: to restore the social and economic independence of clients by meeting their basic needs, facilitating communication between them and community service providers, and fostering their understanding and assimilation into u.s. society. To restore clients attachments to, and promote participation in, community, social, cultural, and economic systems. To foster conditions that supports the clients' integration into their communities taking into account the impact of age, gender, family status, and past experience. The program strives to assist clients to achieve effective resettlement and economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. Direct services include case management, integration assistance, culture inclusion, social services, employment services, and referrals to affordable legal services.