Inside Refugee Support: A Q&A with a Case Manager on the Front Lines
Just like physical first aid, MHFA focuses on early intervention. But instead of applying bandages, mental health first aid offers strategies to build skills in…
About Us
Homepage > About Us
Our mission
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.
Our history
More than 25 years of welcoming
CIRA has grown from two small, volunteer-driven organizations to one unified agency providing comprehensive services to immigrants and refugees across Nebraska.
In 1997, refugee community leader Tor Kuet founded the Southern Sudan Community Association to support refugees adjusting to life in Omaha. The organization later expanded its services to refugees from many countries and became Refugee Empowerment Center (REC), a federally recognized refugee resettlement agency.
In 1999, the United Methodist Committee on Relief launched Justice for Our Neighbors–Nebraska (JFON), a volunteer-led immigration legal clinic in Omaha. As the program grew, it added staff attorneys, expanded statewide, and later became known as Immigrant Legal Center (ILC).
In 2022, the two organizations merged to form the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA), bringing legal representation, refugee resettlement, and social work services together under one roof.
Today, CIRA serves thousands of immigrants and refugees across Nebraska and southwest Iowa each year.
Our People
Our dedicated team at CIRA is committed to empowering immigrants and refugees through expert legal, resettlement, and social services.
Contact
Get in touch with us for assistance, inquiries, or to learn more about our services.
Financial information and annual report
CIRA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization incorporated in Nebraska. As a nonprofit organization, donations may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for questions on tax deductibility.
EIN number
74-3195841
Legal name
Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska
Doing business as
CIRA
Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement
News
Read our latest news
Here’s what the Board of Immigration Appeals decision means for DACA
Just like physical first aid, MHFA focuses on early intervention. But instead of applying bandages, mental health first aid offers strategies to build skills in…
Training equips advocates with Mental Health First Aid skills
Just like physical first aid, MHFA focuses on early intervention. But instead of applying bandages, mental health first aid offers strategies to build skills in…
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.
Quick links
Newsletter sign-up
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.
Copyright © 2026 CIRA. All Rights Reserved.