Overcomers Refugee Services is a nonprofit organization founded to help newly resettled refugees in the greater Concord area. The needs of our clients have changed during this crisis, and so have our services, however our commitment to support new Americans remains unwavering. Instead of helping clients apply for jobs and learn how to integrate, we are helping clients apply for unemployment benefits and translating important government health and economic updates. Instead of giving clients rides to appointments, we are delivering masks, cleaning supplies and food to new American families in need, whether they were established clients or not. In March, Overcomers created a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan and put together a Crisis Response Team. The Crisis Team, consisting of staff, board members and volunteers, is working hard to ensure that our New American communities stay safe and navigate the many confusing aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. Overcomers also hired three temporary translators from the refugee communities to act as liaisons between clients and volunteers. In order to keep our clients informed about best health practices, stay-at-home orders, and government updates, especially relating to unemployment assistance and federal stimulus money, we collect relevant information, then simplify, translate and distribute it in four languages (French, Nepali, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda). This information is shared via Overcomers’ website, social media, and a WhatsApp group for clients where our staff post videos explaining information in the four different languages. We share our translations with other local refugee service organizations. While health is the number one concern, helping clients secure financial assistance is a close second. Many new Americans work in the service industry for employers who have either closed temporarily or reduced staff. The unemployment application process has been especially difficult for new Americans who are still learning English. Overcomers created a system with volunteers and translators to help clients file their initial claims and weekly updates. So far, the team has been able to help 50 clients successfully complete the process and begin receiving weekly benefits. This project was funded in part by a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Donations are still needed and welcome to support Overcomers’ work and offset the unexpected expenses incurred throughout the crisis. Donations are tax deductible and can be made at OvercomersNH.org or by check made payable to Overcomers Refugee Services, 90 Airport Road, Suite 25, Concord, NH 03301.
Overcomers shifts focus
