For refugees, arriving in the United States often marks both an end and a beginning. The end of one chapter filled with uncertainty, and the beginning of another filled with hope, adjustment, and the hard work of rebuilding a life from the ground up.
When refugees, like Manuel (his name has been changed to maintain anonymity) first arrive, they face daunting challenges.
Many have fled conflict, persecution, or instability, leaving behind homes, careers, and support networks. Upon arriving in a new country, they must navigate unfamiliar systems: housing, transportation, healthcare, and employment, often without fluent English or local experience. For most, finding meaningful work is a crucial step toward independence and stability.
That’s where JVS SoCal’s Refugee Employment and Acculturation Services, in partnership with Los Angeles County DPSS, steps in. Through personalized case management, job placement assistance, and wraparound support, the Refugee Employment Program (REP) helps refugees gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to successfully integrate into their new communities.
Manuel is a 55-year-old refugee from Venezuela. When he arrived in Los Angeles in 2024 with his wife, he was filled with anxiety about starting over in a new country, especially worried that his age would make finding a job even harder. His caseworker reassured him that the Refugee Employment Program was designed exactly for people like him, to help them adapt, learn, and thrive.
Through REP, Manuel participated in life-skills workshops, enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and joined Focus 360, a program designed to help participants improve their workplace readiness. With steady encouragement and guidance from his case manager, Manuel gained the confidence to reenter the workforce. Soon after, he secured a position as a security guard.
“I was nervous at first,” says Manuel, “but JVS SoCal helped me believe that I could start again.” That first job represented far more than a paycheck, it was a step toward self-sufficiency, dignity, and belonging.
Manuel is one of many newcomers that have rebuilt their lives and rediscovered their potential. By offering language support, career coaching, and emotional encouragement, REAS case workers ensure that every participant, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, has the opportunity to stand on their own and contribute to their new community with pride.
If you’re inspired by Manuel’s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.