Staff Adapt Services to Meet Urgent Needs

The way we deliver services during the COVID-19 health crisis may look different, but our commitment to the refugee community remains the same.

With Governor Holcomb’s recent order to shelter in place, Exodus staff have transitioned to working remotely via phone, text, email, video chat, and other tools. Our office will remain closed to the public through May 1st, but we are still working hard to meet urgent needs in the refugee community.

This week, Exodus staff members are making more than 400 phone calls to check in with refugee families, educate them about COVID-19, and assess needs related to employment, food, housing, access to e-learning, mental health concerns, and more.

Here are few of the ways we are helping right now:

Our Employment Team is assisting refugee clients who have lost their jobs to apply for unemployment, while leveraging our network of 90+ employment partners to help find new jobs. We are also providing limited financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, childcare, medicine, and other needs.
Our Youth Program Coordinator is helping refugee parents navigate school communications and e-learning for their children, including referrals for free or low cost internet access and other resources.
Our Mental Wellness Coordinator is continuing therapy sessions via phone or video chat.
Our English teachers and volunteers are exploring options to offer classes and trainings online both for learning and social connections.
Our Intensive Case Managers are helping clients with chronic health conditions access care and stay safe.

But, we are just at the beginning of this health crisis. As needs continue to grow in the refugee community, your support will be vital. Together, we can be there for our vulnerable refugee neighbors during this uncertain time.

We miss all of your smiling faces and look forward to being together again soon.