Refugee Services
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Refugee services in Nebraska
Supporting global refugees locally
With over 100 million people displaced worldwide due to ongoing conflicts, famine, and war, the impact of global crises is felt even in Nebraska. As a top destination for immigrants and refugees, Nebraska offers affordability, job opportunities, high-quality public schools, and established communities for newcomers. Over the past decade, Nebraska has welcomed more refugees per capita than any other state.
Refugee Services
We serve refugees from across the globe who are resettling and living in Nebraska. Our programs are open to clients of all ages, with recent arrivals primarily from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burma, Ukraine, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia, and South Sudan.
CIRA operated as a refugee resettlement agency in partnership with the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc., (ECDC) under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
Pathway to Stability
Our Pathway to Stability program helps refugees in Nebraska build strong, self-sufficient futures. Through one-on-one support, we connect individuals and families with resources for housing, food security, employment, financial management, health care, transportation, language learning, and legal help to ensure every new neighbor has the tools to thrive and belong.
Employment
Our employment team provides job placement services, career development opportunities, and ongoing support to employers who hire refugees.
Education
Our education team helps refugees develop education plans tailored to their prior training and backgrounds. This includes regularly offering English as a Second Language (ESL), digital literacy, financial literacy, job readiness, driving, and other essential classes.
Refugee Health Promotion
Our health team promotes the health and well-being of refugees by providing opportunities to increase health literacy through education, coordinating health care with one-on-one support, and organizing wellness and support groups.
Refugee Intensive Case Management
The Refugee Intensive Case Management (RICM) program offers culturally and linguistically responsive behavioral health services to help Omaha’s most vulnerable refugees achieve self-sufficiency and well-being. RICM’s evidence-based, intensive case management ensures access to critical resources for refugees with chronic health conditions, social adjustment/mental health conditions, acute medical needs, and elderly refugees to help them successfully integrate into their new communities. Services include mental health intervention and crisis response, Medically Fragile Intensive case management, connection to local healthcare, social/cultural activities, and assistance with housing, employment, social benefits, and financial management.
Resettlement
Refugees in limbo
On Jan. 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending much of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The suspension leaves over 12,000 pre-approved refugees in limbo.
CIRA (formerly Refugee Empowerment Center) is proud of our rich history resettling refugees in Omaha and Lincoln, and we are committed to continuing to serve refugees currently in our community through our new programming.
To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.
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We are a 501c3 nonprofit. Our EIN number is 74-3195841. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.
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