Saturday, December 9, 2023
12/9/2023
Refugees are unable to equitably benefit from vital services provided by Michigan's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, WIOA funded programs, and other important programs, largely due to their level of English proficiency and digital literacy skills. The information and accelerated pace of the programs are overwhelming for refugees who lack the English proficiency to learn, retain, and apply the lessons and resources presented. However, there have been a number of refugees identified, who have an intermediate or greater level of English proficiency, who have successfully navigated Michigan's TANF work preparation and placement program and other programs. The project seeks to aid refugees in preparation to fully engage TANF and WIOA-funded employment services. The project will improve refugees' English proficiency for more robust social integration, access to better paying jobs, leading to true economic self-sufficiency. Delivery of this project will be coordinated state-wide by Michigan's Office of Global Michigan who competitively bid awards for in-person and remote service delivery in Kent, Ingham, Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and surrounding counties. The services funded will be for "TANF-eligible refugees" who are not yet citizens and have been in the United States for 36 months or less. Priorities will focus on clients who face an English proficiency barrier to social integration and economic self-sufficiency and who promise the best chance of success. Services will be provided state-wide both in-person and remotely via on-site digital literacy classes and utilization of an English acquisition software application that is accessible on desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Foundational Case Management will be provided to clients receiving in-person services to include an initial eligibility assessment and intake, development, or continuation of a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP) or Individual Employment Plan (IEP) in coordination with ORR-funded refugee service providers, case notes documenting service delivery, referrals, follow-ups, checks on family well-being, and family progress.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
