Long Term Integration Programs
The Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriation, 2022, and Additional Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (ASA) provided the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) with specific appropriations to provide benefits and services to the citizens or nationals of Afghanistan delineated in ORR Policy Letter (PL) 22-10, Afghan Populations Eligible for ASA-Funded ORR Services.
ASA Refugee Support Services Employment Program (ASA-RSSEP)
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The Afghan Supplemental Appropriation Refugee Support Services Employment Program (ASA-RSSEP) assists eligible clients to integrate into their communities and become self-sufficient through employment. ASA-RSSEP includes core employment services that lead to employment as soon as possible; skills training for earning potential that leads to career building and higher wage employment; English language training; and other employability services. Services are provided to individuals aged 16 and above and may be provided for up to five (5) years from the date of arrival or receipt of an eligible status. The program outcome goal is durable self-sufficiency measured by the following performance metrics:
- Employment placements.
- Average hourly wage at placement.
- Employment retention 90th day after initial placement.
- Full-time employment placements offering health benefits.
- Cost per placement.
Core employment services include work orientation, job development, referral to job opportunities, and job follow-up. Other employability services may include English language training (ELT), skills recertification, interpretation, transportation, obtaining Employment Authorization Documents, and other services. Subrecipients must follow the ASA-RSSEP guidance in the Virginia Refugee Resettlement Program manual.
Service delivery priority is given to:
- New arrivals in their first year in the U.S.
- Clients receiving cash assistance.
- Unemployed clients not receiving cash assistance.
- Employed clients in need of additional employment.
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Terry Modglin, Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Coordinator, terry@reactdc.org
Zeynep Timmester, Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Employment Coordinator, zeynep@reactdc.org
Ahmad Tamim Ahmadi "Tamim", Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Intake Coordinator, tamim@reactdc.org
ASA - Virginia Refugee Student Achievement Project (ASA-VRSAP)
The Afghan Supplemental Appropriation Virginia Refugee Student Achievement Project (ASA-VRSAP) aims to strengthen academic performance and aid the social adjustment of recently arrived refugee youth between the ages of 0-18 years old. (Note: Youth between the age of 18-21 years may be enrolled in ASA-VRSAP if they are still in high school or pursuing a GED.)
Priority for enrollment in the ASA-VRSAP program is given to youth who have been in the United States for one (1) year or less. However, youth are eligible for ASA-VRSAP within the first five (5) years of arrival in the United States. Eligible youth may be co-enrolled in the ASA-VRSAP and ASA-MYVA programs.
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Sarah Cady, Chief Executive Officer, sarahcady@reactdc.org
Allison Agoglia, Senior Programs Consultant, allison@reactdc.org
ASA- Mentoring Youth in Virginia (ASA-MYVA)
The Afghan Supplemental Appropriation Mentoring Youth in Virginia (ASA-MYVA) program promotes positive civic and social engagement and supports educational and vocational advancement for eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. Eligible youth are selected for the mentorship program based on an initial assessment of needs and goals and are matched with trained, adult mentors for a minimum of (6) months.
Youth in the mentoring program will demonstrate enhanced self-esteem, communication skills, educational and vocational outcomes.
Youth are eligible for the ASA-MYVA program within the first five (5) years of arrival in the United States.
Youth selected for enrollment in ASA-MYVA will:
-Strengthen interpersonal and leadership skills and self-esteem.
-Become engaged members of their communities through participation in civic service activities.
-Receive academic support, including college application and achievement support.
-Enhance career development and financial literacy skills.
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Tammy Ross, Mentoring Youth in Virginia (MYVA) Coordinator, tammy@reatdc.org