WHAT WE DO

We are multicultural resource center dedicated to helping refugee/newcomers to Las Vegas establish lives of independence, dignity and achievement. As a branch office of the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC) based in Arlington, Virginia, we work in partnership with the US Department of State and US Office of Refugees Resettlement, (ORR) in providing basic reception services to refugees arriving legally from trouble spots around the world. Many have spent years in crowded refugee camps. Most have experienced enormous loss of family members, friends, physical and emotional resources.

All are victims of persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.Like previous generations of refugees and immigrants who have enriched America’s cultural, social and economic life, they initially confront a bewildering array of challenges: learning a new language, finding an affordable place to leave, getting a job, adjusting to a new culture, and achieving

To overcome the obstacles faced by refugees, we provide a wide range of educational, social and other support services to help refugees meet the challenges they will face in new environment with the ultimate objective of making every refugee self-sufficient through employment.

Case Management

The case managers, assisted by other support staff, and full participation of the refugees, will develop individual resettlement plans. The plan will be the step-by-step guide of making the refugee(s)

  • economically self-sufficient through employment
  • law-abiding, tax-paying members of their new community/country
  • continue on the legacy of former refugees who immensely contributed to the greatness of the USA like Albert Einstein, Secretary and many more like them

Cultural Orientation

Through the provision of formal and informal cultural orientation sessions, ACC encourages rapid acculturation while promoting awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity they bring to our community.

Basic Need Assistance

As the saying goes, refugees arrive with only the clothes on their back. ACC provides assistance in basic needs, such as housing, household goods, food and clothing. This is made possible by the grants awarded by our Federal partners and donations from the community

Translation/Interpretation

We provide translation/interpretation services to newcomers and mainstream services providers.

Employment Services

Following the resettlement plan developed by the case management unit, the employment specialist and support staff will do a thorough assessment of each client and their skills and

  • provide pre-employment orientation and counseling;
  • help in linking them to the job market and
  • aid in job search and placement

 

Transportation Assistance

Whether to get to the ESL class, go to a medical appointment or to a job, ACC provides transportation assistance in the form of monthly bus-passes and when necessary providing a ride to the destination the client needs.

Information and Referral

We help newcomers access mainstream services providers and acquaint them with American social and cultural customs and practices

School Registration

We assist employable refugees to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and their children to basic public schools.