GAIN - Greater Access to Independence for Newcomers

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The Institute for Cultural Partnerships is in its fourth year of providing employment and training services to eligible refugees in South Central Pennsylvania. The goal of the GAIN (Greater Access to Independence for Newcomers) initiative is to assist newcomers in accessing jobs which utilize skills and training they bring with them from their countries of origin. GAIN also enables pursuit of vocational goals and job upgrades for refugees and asylum seekers working in fields that are new to them.

At The Institute for Cultural Partnerships we believe refugees are a valuable and often unused resource in our communities. Many educated, highly trained professionals who worked in supervisory positions in their own countries are now barely able to support their families with a factory or assembly line job. GAIN, or Greater Access to Independence for Newcomers, addresses some of the barriers that prevent refugees from entering into fields of their specialization or interest. Through on-the-job, English language and skills training, as well as job coaching, we facilitate broader access to the job market for refugees and connect employers to an enthusiastic, able workforce. This region has seen a substantial growth in its refugee and other foreign-born populations over the past ten years and the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement awarded a "targeted assistance" grant to the state of Pennsylvania to provide employment assistance to refugees here in Central Pennsylvania. Federal targeted assistance grants are awarded based on special needs resulting from resettlement of refugees into a region.

The Institute for Cultural Partnerships has been joined by partners in the Refugee Services Coalition of Central PA (RSCCP) to implement this new employment enhancement project. Participating partners include: Immigration and Refugee Services of Catholic Charities I Harrisburg, Church World Services in Lancaster, Lutheran Children and Family Services in Lancaster, The Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network in Harrisburg and International Service Center in Harrisburg.

The GAIN Project (Greater Access to Independence for Newcomers) draws upon five key employment strategies which engage area employers and training facilities to meet the needs of refugees in four targeted counties:

1. An innovative job coaching program using both staff and volunteer resources
2. customized on-the-job training designed by participating employers for refugee workers
3. Technical school based, short-term training to prepare eligible refugees for available employment opportunities
4. Customized skills credentialing services for occupations needed in the region
5. Customized on-the-job site VESL classes designed with employer cost sharing and attendance incentives for refugees.

Success Stories

A Laborer Learns the Language
Ljubomir is a refugee from Bosnia. A hard-working, conscientious employee of a local milling company, he knew he was capable of taking on more responsibility. Through an employer-designed, on-site language course facilitated by GAIN, Ljubomir gained the skills necessary to be offered a promotion. Both Ljubomir and his employer are excited about the possibilities of their partnership as he develops his professional skills.

A Technician Proves Himself
Omar, a car repair technician from Iraq, worked in the United States for seven years, unable to find a job in his field. Through GAIN services he was finally given a chance to prove himself. He successfully completed an on-site intensive test created by an employer and was hired on the spot. Omar is finally able to do what he does best, and an employer has found a talented and dedicated employee.

A Professional Keeps Dreaming
Hind, a former nurse from Sudan, was eager to take even an entry-level job in the medical field. A GAIN employment specialist helped her move out of a factory job and into a nursing home as a residential aide. She went on to complete GAIN-sponsored Nurse Aide Training and achieved a recognized certification to do what she loves-care for people. Hind now plans to complete a nursing degree here in the United States.

Fulfilling A Dream…
Mr. Wilson is a refugee from Columbia. A hard-working, conscientious employee of a local builder company, he knew he was capable of taking on more responsibility. Through extensive work on interview preparation provided by GAIN personal, Mr. Wilson gained the skills necessary to be offered a new job as a Customer Service Representative for Bosch company. He actually was hired as more of an International Liason between Bosch and South American and Latin American customers.

It sounds like a great opportunity for Wilson and one with plenty of opportunity for upward mobility. He had five interviews (3 in person and 2 over the phone) before they finally offered him the job. We were on the phone almost daily, in preparation for interviews.

He still has to learn the business but he is very excited about it! Both Mr. Wilson and his new employer are excited about the possibilities of their partnership as he develops and uses his professional skills.

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