Refugees in Iowa
Over the past 10 years, more than 18,000 refugees have resettled directly to Iowa. While they have reached safety from persecution and refugee camps, they now face a different set of challenges. Families receive little support as they transition to their new lives as Iowans. Finding a job, enrolling in school, or accessing existing resources can be insurmountable challenges due to language and cultural barriers.
Over the past 10 years, more than 18,000 refugees have resettled directly to Iowa. While they have reached safety from persecution and refugee camps, they now face a different set of challenges. Families receive little support as they transition to their new lives as Iowans. Finding a job, enrolling in school, or accessing existing resources can be insurmountable challenges due to language and cultural barriers.
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Power of Teamwork
RISE AmeriCorps uses a paired team approach, to leverage members' diverse experiences, perspectives and strengths to facilitate inclusion and integration. RISE AmeriCorps Members serve in teams: one member from the newcomer refugee community and one member from the receiving community work together to help empower refugees in their community. |
Stronger Iowa
RISE AmeriCorps Members serve at select nonprofits and workforce agencies across the state, empowering refugees to access services, build workforce readiness skills, and gain economic empowerment.
RISE AmeriCorps Members serve at select nonprofits and workforce agencies across the state, empowering refugees to access services, build workforce readiness skills, and gain economic empowerment.
RISE Host Sites (2015-2023)
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About EMBARC
EMBARC, Iowa’s first refugee-led service provider, is a grassroots community-based organization founded by and for refugees. EMBARC believes real change comes from communities empowered to help themselves and that a high degree of community ownership and participation is essential for sustained self-sufficiency. EMBARC launched RISE AmeriCorps in 2015. |
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