what we do.
Learn more about our work
Refugee
Resettlement
Refugee Resettlement
RIAC resettles an average of 200 refugees every year from countries such as Bhutan, Iraq, Congo, Syria, Afghanistan, Burma, Somalia, and Ethiopia and more!
Post
Resettlement
Post
Resettlement
Post Resettlement Services help individuals and families with referrals for services, assistance with benefits, social adjustment counseling, interpretation and extended case work.
Community
Counseling
Community
Counseling
Under the direction of the program’s psychiatrist, a team of licensed social workers provide individual and group counseling services.
Case
Management
Case
Management
RIAC offers intensive case management services, case management services
for all our Refugees and Immigrant this services includes:
Refugee and Immigrant Families receive on-going comprehensive
orientation which covers a variety of topics and assists newly arrived
families in adjusting to life in and around Boston and Worcester.
Citizenship
Citizenship
As part of our mission to foster civic engagement and skills, we provide citizenship application assistance in Boston to refugees and immigrants. RIAC assists eligible refugees and immigrants apply for a Permanent Resident Card commonly called a “green card”.
ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A CITIZEN?
Join us for FREE citizenship assistance in the RIAC OFFICE!
Community
Outreach
Community
Outreach
RIAC offers a variety of community education projects that include:
ESOL
Youth Program
World Refugee Day
Vaccine Equity
Celebrating 30 Years RIAC
For over 30 years, refugees and immigrants have built a new home in Massachusetts through the support and dedication of RIAC and its predecessor. Today, refugees who have long made a home in Massachusetts welcome and support new arrivals at the beginning of their journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.'S)
A refugee is an individual who has been forced to flee their country due to racial, religious, ethnic, social or political persecution. Refugee status is determined and granted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Refugees seeking resettlement apply to the UNHCR, which operates resettlement programs involving 24 countries. In order to be resettled in the USA, refugees must undergo a rigorous screening process lasting between two to five years, involving clearance by both the State Department and Homeland Security.
Despite there being 65 million refugees globally, less than 1% are referred for resettlement. The USA, as a leading humanitarian nation, has been accepting refugees since World War
Economic Contribution: Refugees play a significant role in boosting the economy. Many refugees are highly skilled professionals in various fields, and they contribute to the economy by starting their businesses or finding employment.
Cultural Enrichment: refugees can bring diverse cultural perspectives to the community, which can lead to greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures.
Social Contribution: refugees contribute to the social fabric of a community.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: many refugees have overcome significant challenges and can bring unique perspectives to problem-solving. They can use their experiences to develop innovative solutions that benefit their community and contribute to economic
growth.
Airport Pick-up
Furnished Housing
Translation Services
Food & Clothing Provisions
Health Insurance Enrollment/Health Assessment Referrals
Social Security Enrollment
School Enrollment
English Class Enrollment
Cultural Orientation
Job Skills Training & Resume Development
Employer Outreach & Job Placement
Refugees resettled by RIAC are coming from:
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Burma
Burundi
Central African Republic
Chad
Cuban
El Salvador
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Guatemala
Guinea
Honduras
India
Iran
Iraq
Ivory Coast
Liberia
Pakistan
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan
Syrian
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Ukraine
Vietnam
Yemen
Individual Volunteers
Find out how you can get involved through volunteering!
Support Us
Please consider donating to RIAC’s efforts in welcoming evacuees, asylees, and refugees today. Your contribution can make a real difference .
Work with us
The staff at RIAC works together to provide quality care that makes a difference in the lives of historically underserved communities and that leads to a satisfying and rewarding work environment. Our staff are multicultural and multilingual and have lived experience as refugees and immigrants.