New Arrivals
Welcome to Rising Village
If Rising Village has been assigned as your resettlement agency, we are honored to welcome you to your new community. We look forward to helping you begin your new life in the United States.
You may have found this website while preparing for your journey or after learning that Rising Village will be your resettlement agency. We hope the information here helps you understand what to expect when you arrive.
Why We Cannot Contact You Before You Arrive
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program does not allow resettlement agencies to communicate directly with refugees before they arrive in the United States. For this reason, we are unable to answer questions, make arrangements with you directly, or communicate by phone, email, text message, or social media before your arrival. Once you arrive in the United States, our staff will meet you, welcome you, and begin providing the services and support available through the resettlement program.
Your First Month
Your first month in the United States will be busy. During this time, you will begin learning about your new community while taking important steps toward becoming self-sufficient.
One of the highest priorities during your first month is finding employment. Refugee resettlement is designed to help you become financially independent as quickly as possible. Your case manager and employment specialist will work with you to prepare for work, connect you with employers, and help you begin earning an income. You should expect to actively participate in your job search and accept appropriate employment opportunities.
You can begin preparing for employment before you arrive. If you have access to the internet, consider creating a resume that lists your work experience, education, skills, and training. You may also begin looking at job opportunities in your new community to learn about available types of work and employer expectations.
During your first month, you will also:
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Attend Cultural Orientation to learn about life in the United States, including laws, cultural expectations, financial responsibility, public transportation, housing, and community resources.
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Apply for available benefits that can help support you while you become established.
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Complete your required medical examination and any recommended follow-up care.
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Study for your driver's license knowledge test, if appropriate. A driver's license can increase employment opportunities and independence, and we encourage you to begin preparing as soon as possible.
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Search for employment by creating or updating your resume, completing job applications, attending interviews, and working closely with your employment specialist.
Every activity during your first month is designed to help you build a strong foundation for your future. While there will be many appointments and new experiences, your primary focus should be preparing for and obtaining employment so you can support yourself and your family as quickly as possible.
Our staff will guide you through each step, answer your questions, and connect you with the resources you need to succeed. We are committed to helping you build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your new community.
Housing
One of the first things many people want to know is, "Where will I live?"
Before you arrive, Rising Village works to prepare a safe and affordable home for you and your family. We carefully consider your household size, safety, access to employment, schools, transportation, and available housing in the community.
Your first home is intended to be temporary. It is a place where you can begin your new life while finding employment, learning English, and becoming financially independent. Many refugee families move to a different apartment or home after they have become more established.
Affordable housing is limited and our priority is to find housing that is safe, affordable, and available when you arrive.
If you have a family member or trusted contact already living in the United States, they may help identify housing before your arrival, but we are not permitted to communicate directly with you before you arrive.
If you do not have a U.S. tie, Rising Village will arrange housing based on available options. In some cases, you may stay in a hotel for a short time while your permanent housing is finalized.
Single adults are generally placed in a shared apartment with a roommate of the same gender. Sharing housing helps keep costs affordable while you become financially independent.
We know your first home may not be exactly what you imagined. It is the beginning of your journey—not your final destination. Our goal is to help you establish a safe place to live so you can focus on building a successful future in your new community.