How We Help

RAA Programs and Services

English

Without English, refugees face a world of silence, struggling to communicate or connect with employers, teachers, doctors, and even their neighbors. RAA helps refugees to find their voice, break free from isolation and unlock new opportunities through language.

Many refugees face barriers to education, including persistent poverty, limited formal schooling, and a lack of learner confidence. Challenges related to childcare, transportation, and technical skills can also make traditional learning difficult to access.

RAA addresses these barriers by providing:

• Bilingual, paid teachers who speak the native languages of refugees, catering to non-literate or first-time learners.

• Laptops, internet hotspots, and digital literacy training to ensure all learners can participate.

• Flexible instruction through an online curriculum supported by educational apps.

RAA offers virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) and adult education services tailored to the needs of refugee learners. Refugees attend twice-weekly online ESL classes taught by paid bilingual teachers or trained volunteers, with additional support from flexible study platforms. To enhance spoken English, learners engage in weekly "Phone Friend" conversations, focused on accent reduction and speaking confidence.

Learners improve in English over three years, with their progress tracked through assessments and certifications. We also monitor outcomes in employment progression, education, and social integration. Annual evaluations consistently show high levels of satisfaction among participants.

Community Support

Refugees have lost their friends, extended family and their systems of support, leaving them feeling loneliness and isolation. RAA’s volunteers step in as mentors, guides, and friends, helping refugees navigate their new lives while providing emotional support and fostering meaningful connections.

Our Community Support program connects refugee families with dedicated community volunteers for a full year of wraparound support. Volunteers visit their families weekly, offering personalized assistance based on their needs. Volunteers raise funds, collect in-kind donations,  provide hands-on practical support and introduce refugees to the culture and life of their new home.

After a year of support, families are socially self-sufficient. They can manage household expenses—including rent, bills, and taxes—and confidently handle their own benefits applications. Refugee children are enrolled in local schools, activities, and tutoring programs. Families gain a deeper understanding of American culture, laws, and public services, including libraries and public transportation. As importantly, refugees have built friendships and support networks.

Work Training

The refugee journey disrupts education and professional growth. We help refugees access education, vocational training, and qualifications that allow them to rebuild their careers, gain promotions, and thrive in their chosen fields. RAA partners with local businesses to provide workplace training that equips refugees with the skills and qualifications needed for career advancement. 

This program is designed to help refugees move beyond entry-level roles, increase their earning potential, and achieve long-term career growth. Refugees lack the financial ability to take time off work to pursue education. By integrating training directly into the workplace, this program helps refugees develop professionally while continuing to earn an income.

Refugee workers gain access to English language training, career development skills, professional certifications, transportation assistance, childcare benefits, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities for promotion.

For businesses, the program offers a tailored approach to workforce development. Employers benefit from custom-designed professional development opportunities, covering areas such as English proficiency, digital literacy, job readiness, technical skills, and career certifications. RAA also provides comprehensive refugee recruitment support, helping businesses reduce turnover and build a motivated, skilled workforce.