Assistance Programs
Bridge Refugee Services assists refugees, humanitarian parolees, asylees, and entrants through orientation and case management to learn how to live in the US, and early employment. Prior to a family’s arrival, Case Managers and staff arrange for housing, household items, food, job interviews, etc. to help the family begin making Knoxville or Chattanooga its home. In the succeeding months, Case Managers work with clients to assess their goals, set them up with English classes, connect families to local schools and other educational opportunities and help them navigate their new communities. Bridge provides unique, personalized support that sets up clients to be successful and self-sufficient as soon as possible.
Case Management
Case Managers operate within a wide variety of programs to help clients succeed on their own. Before our newest Americans arrive, Housing Coordinators work to set up their homes, finding quality low-cost apartments and houses. Case Managers then help clients navigate the often confusing and numerous processes that they encounter when they arrive. This includes access to healthcare, public services, and basic necessities. Case Managers work with clients to create plans specific to their needs and goals that help them learn to navigate a new life on their own and become active, connected members of the community. Learn more…
Employment Program
Our employment program helps assist newcomers admitted to the US as refugees to find employment so that the individual or family may become self-sufficient as soon as possible. We provide job readiness training, placement assistance, interpretation services, post-employment follow-up, and referrals to additional employment resources. We are always seeking employer partners who value the skills our clients bring and honor their desire to support themselves and their families. Learn more…
Refugee School Impact Program (RSIG)
Regardless of a refugee family’s origin or circumstances, parents arrive with the dream that their children will succeed in the United States. The Refugee School Impact Program strives to help this dream become a reality for every refugee family. Newly-arrived parents and children receive critical information about what to expect at school and guidance as they adjust to a new culture and language. Learn more…
Community Connection
We work through various programs to assist clients on their critical path of integration with the community in which they live. These programs have included a women’s sewing group, bus orientation days, summer camps for children and mothers, community and mental health support groups, and youth mentoring programs. One important program for community integration are our Community Assistance Teams, groups of volunteers who are paired with clients for three to six months to support their transition to a new community. Learn more about forming a CAT…