This episode of the Switchboard Podcast discusses the unique health challenges faced by Afghan women during and post-resettlement. Host Jesse Griggs speaks with Naheed Samadi Bahram, U.S. Country Director for Women for Afghan Women and a technical advisor for the Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers. Together, they explore how the healthcare system can better address the physical, mental, and social well-being of Afghan women, from maternal health to mental health stigma and cultural sensitivities. 

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, "Preparing for the Arrival of High-Risk Medical Cases," we discuss essential strategies for resettlement service providers working with newcomers who have complex medical needs. Janet Kurczaba, Intensive Case Manager Supervisor, shares her expertise on identifying high-risk cases, collaborating with healthcare providers, and navigating challenges such as Medicaid enrollment, access to specialists, and the use of interpretation services. This episode provides practical insights on developing effective partnerships with healthcare systems and empowering families to advocate for themselves, ensuring that high-risk individuals receive the care they need upon arrival.

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, "Collaborating with Pediatricians and Families to Care for Newcomer Children," we discuss the unique challenges and best practices in providing healthcare to immigrant and refugee children. Dr. Anisa Ibrahim, a pediatrician and medical director at Harborview Pediatrics Clinic, shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of pediatric care for newcomers. Topics include addressing malnutrition, developmental delays, mental health concerns, and infectious diseases, as well as fostering effective partnerships between healthcare providers, families, and community organizations. This discussion provides valuable insights for service providers looking to support the health and well-being of newcomer children and their families.

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast, "Culturally Driven Health Communications," we explore the critical role of culturally sensitive health communication in supporting immigrant and refugee communities. Our guest, Syreeta Wilkins, a communication strategist at the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC RIM), shares her expertise on creating impactful health materials tailored to diverse cultural contexts. The episode explores strategies for community engagement, the importance of trusted messengers, and the innovative use of culturally validated tools to address public health challenges. Listeners will gain practical insights on bridging communication gaps and fostering health equity through culturally informed approaches.

Led by: Kevin Davis, Sr. Program Officer, Workforce Development IRC PE 
Guest speaker: Maria Sigalas, Sr. Program Officer, Financial Capabilities IRC PE

Recording: August 2024 

Episode overview: Finances are a primary concern for many newcomer families. However, newcomer women are often underrepresented in many economic empowerment and financial inclusion programs offered by refugee service providers. What are the factors behind this? This episode aims to look at the challenges that newcomer women face in accessing financial inclusion programs and discuss some practical strategies from the field that can be implemented to build more gender inclusive financial programming. 

1)      Introduction 

Welcome to the Switchboard Podcast. Switchboard is a one-stop resource hub for refugee service providers in the United States, funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. My name is Kevin Davis, and I am the Senior Program Officer for Workforce Development Programs at the International Rescue Committee’s Economic Empowerment Technical Unit which supports Economic Empowerment Programs across the US.

Today we will be exploring the topic of Serving Newcomer Women in Financial Inclusion Programs. What does that mean and why is it important for refugee and/or newcomer clients? Today we have with us Maria Sigalas, Senior Program Officer for Financial Capabilities with the IRC Economic Empowerment Technical Unit, to break down the challenges, opportunities, and give some examples and ideas on how to build financial programs that are more inclusive for women. Maria has been working with refugee and immigrant communities over the last 10 years to build their economic wellbeing. She has worked in a variety of program areas including: early employment, women’s career development, microenterprise childcare and financial capabilities. She currently supports IRC’s financial capabilities programming across the country, manages the national Supporting Access to Financial Empowerment program, the virtual financial capability program, and is a certified financial coach trainer. 

2) Questions  

a.       Let’s start with some background. What are financial inclusion programs?

b.       What challenges do newcomer women face in accessing financial inclusion programs?

c.       Why is developing financial programs inclusive of newcomer women so important? 

d.       Can you share some examples of practices or programs that have been successful at increasing participation for newcomer women?

e.       What are some practical ways you can build programs that are more inclusive of newcomer women? 

f.        Where can listeners learn more about developing programs that are more inclusive of women?

3) Wrap-Up  

Thank you, Maria, for joining us today and for sharing your insights on serving women in financial inclusion programs.  If you’re a resettlement service provider and are looking for ways to improve your current program or build new programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Switchboard team via our website! Please check out our resource library for all the latest resources on refugee resettlement. Thank you for tuning in! 

The IRC received competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90RB0052 and Grant #90RB0053.The project is 100% financed by federal funds. The contents of this document are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

In this episode of the Switchboard Podcast's series, "The Role of Technology in Resettlement," we delve into how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a pivotal role in enhancing digital literacy and improving outcomes for newly arrived refugees. Our expert guests share practical insights on integrating AI tools into resettlement programs, exploring how these technologies can help refugees better navigate their new communities and access essential services. The discussion also draws on cross-industry practices, highlighting innovative approaches that can be adapted for resettlement.

Serving clients and providing case management is at the heart of refugee service provision. Providing client-centered services requires more than a certain attitude and an ethical stand; client-centered practices are also a skill set. But what does this term actually mean? What is the logic behind centering the client in our resettlement services, and how do we start to embody that in all our services? This episode aims to simplify and explain what it means to deliver client-centered services and offer some practical strategies to center the client regardless of the setting or refugee service program. In this podcast, we delve into the heart of personalized support, exploring how client-centered approaches empower refugees or newcomers to reclaim their narratives and rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. 

This podcast offers valuable resources, training, communities of practice, and programmatic assistance to programs funded by ORR and those serving ORR-eligible populations. This is part 2 of 4 digital inclusion episodes.

In today's episode, host Krysti Nellermoe explores the topic of digital inclusion, emphasizing how service providers can help new arrivals develop essential digital literacy skills. The guest for this episode is Leana Mayzlina, who brings her expertise to the discussion. Join the conversation to gain insights and practical strategies for enhancing digital inclusion efforts within refugee service programs.

Welcome to the Switchboard Podcast! Switchboard is a one-stop resource hub for organizations in the United States that provide services to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible newcomers. Switchboard offers a library of learning resources, an online evidence database, on-demand self-paced e-learning courses, regular live learning opportunities, and customized technical assistance.   
 
This episode features a conversation hosted by Milad Mozari, Assistant Professor of Multi-Disciplinary Design at the University of Utah and long-term partner of the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City, UT on innovative design for resettlement. He speaks with Shafi Ahmadi and Sahar Rahimi, both former refugees from Afghanistan. Shafi has been in the U.S. for almost three years and is the current Digital Inclusion Specialist at the International Rescue Committee’s Salt Lake City’s Education Program. Sahar is a newly arrived client with Catholic Community Services in Salt Lake City, UT. Both guests provide their personal stories from their own resettlement journeys and reflect on the role and use of technology. In this episode, Shafi and Sahar will discuss the specific technology they accessed and found helpful while traveling and during resettlement. They also discuss how their experiences have shaped digital inclusion services for other new arrivals in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

This episode is part of a new series entitled “The Role of Technology in Resettlement” which will include standalone episodes highlighting key topics including digital inclusion, community navigation, and the use of emerging technology in resettlement. All episodes will interview experts to solicit insights and new practices from a variety of industries, backgrounds, and experiences.  

Welcome to the Switchboard Podcast. Switchboard is a one-stop resource hub for refugee service providers in the United States, funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. We provide resources, training, communities of practice, and programmatic assistance for programs funded by the ORR.

This episode features a conversation with Nao Kabashima, co-founder and Executive Director of Karen Organization of San Diego (KOSD), a community based organization serving refugees from Burma resettled in San Diego. 

In this episode, we discuss how Nao has navigated leading this ethnic community base organization. KOSD is an organization that has been providing services to the resettlement community for 15 years, starting with just $400. They have adapted to the changing climate and political situations by taking a collaborative approach, listening to the needs of their community and finding solutions that work for everyone.