2024-2025 Education After-School Grant

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering the Refugee Social Services Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This grant aims to facilitate the effective and expeditious resettlement of refugees, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. The program aligns with the FSA's mission to support refugees and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible populations upon their resettlement in the District of Columbia, fostering their transition to life in the United States and promoting economic independence. The grant specifically supports the provision of employment assistance, case management, and community outreach services. The target beneficiaries for this program are individuals aged 16 and older who meet the criteria specified by the Office of the Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and have resettled in the District of Columbia. This includes refugees, asylees, Amerasians, Cuban/Haitian entrants, victims of severe forms of human trafficking, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders from Iraq and Afghanistan, Afghan Special Immigrant Parole SQ/SI individuals, Afghan Individuals with Special Immigrant (SI) Conditional Permanent Residence (CPR), Afghan Humanitarian Parolees, Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, and Lawful Permanent Residents who previously held one of the aforementioned statuses. The impact goal is to assist these populations in achieving economic self-sufficiency and successful integration into life in the United States. The program's priorities and focuses are to develop and execute a comprehensive program offering services and support tailored to the refugee population, specifically addressing barriers that hinder successful and prompt resettlement. Key components include employment assistance to help beneficiaries find jobs, case management to provide individualized support and guidance, and outreach services to ensure eligible refugees are aware of and can access available resources. The strategic priority is to create a robust support system that not only aids in immediate resettlement needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency and community integration. Expected outcomes include a significant number of refugees gaining employment, improved access to essential social and support services, and a reduction in barriers to resettlement. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals participating in employment programs, job placement rates, the number of case management interactions, and the reach of community outreach efforts. The underlying theory of change is that by providing comprehensive and tailored services in employment, case management, and outreach, refugees will be empowered to overcome initial resettlement challenges, achieve economic independence, and successfully integrate into the District of Columbia's community, leading to improved quality of life and reduced reliance on public assistance.