What We Do: A Story of Opportunity

“Think about what you need when you wake up.
You have to wash, to dress, to eat a meal. You need a job to go to.” 

That’s what Livvy Su, RISE AmeriCorps Program Manager, the AmeriCorps program founded by EMBARC, suggests you imagine when she tries to describe what she and others like her do every day. It’s not an aimless exercise. It’s an example of what their clients need. In short, they need everything. 

“We serve refugees and immigrant populations,” she says. “We all have so many needs we don’t even think about.”

On the very first day refugees arrive at the airport, they need someone to pick them up. 
They need a place to stay until they can get housing.
They need food and a bed.
They need insurance.
If they have kids, they need school registration and bus orientation.
Their kids might need a translator in school.
Parents need to learn how their kids are doing in school when they can’t speak English.
They need safety training because all the symbols here are different.
They need self sufficiency.
They need a job.
They need to know how to apply and how to interview.
They need education
They need English and computer skills.
They need afterschool programs.
They need counseling and coaching.
They need mentors.

RISE AmeriCorps members gather for a group photo in July, 2022.

EMBARC exists because refugee resettlement program funding runs out after 90 days, but the need doesn’t, not after the trauma of wars and refugee camps. EMBARC has proven that their clients can succeed when given the right help and conditions, but they can’t do it alone. RISE AmeriCorps builds workforce readiness skills. They work in tandem to help those who come here succeed.

RISE AmeriCorps is committed to finding the right people, encouraging them, appreciating and recognizing their service. 

The need is there. The people are waiting. Their commitment continues. They only need you.