Funded by both federal and state sources, RES offers a comprehensive range of services—including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and VESOL (Vocational ESOL) instruction—to support successful employment outcomes for newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts. These services are designed to promote economic self-sufficiency and facilitate integration into the local workforce. There are two main RES programs available in Massachusetts:
Comprehensive Refugee Employment Services (CRES)
The objective of CRES is to assist employable refugees and refugee-type individuals ages 18 to 65 – who have been in the country for 60 months (5 years) – gain English proficiency, learn about the American Workplace and obtain employment with the goal of achieving durable self-sufficiency. CRES is delivered as an integrated hybrid service model by seven service providers operating in West Springfield. Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, Lynn, Boston and Brockton. Each regional provider focuses on preparing participants for the industries and jobs available in the area while the individual is actively enrolled in the program. Additionally, providers develop strong relationships with employers and serve as point of contact to match employers’ needs with the right workforce.
CRES participants must actively participate in instruction and employment activities to maintain enrollment as a CRES client.
Additionally, CRES participants can access the re/certification benefit. The re/certification benefit is an additional resource that RES providers use to assist their MRRP eligible pre- and post-employment clients to attain their career goals in a profession or trade requiring certification. Funding will be available for professional, para-professional, skill trades and other fields that require Recertification/Certification, including Driver’s Education training.
Employment Services Supports Program (ESSP)
The objective of ESSP is to offer unique multilanguage and multicultural support while preparing DTA-referred clients for gainful employment. ESSP assists TAFDC-eligible refugees and immigrants, whose primary language is not English, become self-sufficient. To maintain enrollment in ESSP, the participant must attend English classes and attend employment activities for at least 20-30 hours per week.
Through ORI services, the eligible participant will receive an assessment of the immediate needs of you and your family, and ongoing follow up services once employed.
Services are provided by a network of refugee service providers in Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Lynn, Worcester and West Springfield.
Services in both RES programs consist of core and additional pre- and post- employment services provided through an integrated service model that includes:
- Employability services, including World of Work orientations and workgroups
- Employment-related case management to overcome barriers to employment such as, but not limited to, childcare and housing stabilization
- Literacy and ESOL instruction offered at various proficiency levels
- English for employment instruction with multiple levels of proficiency
- Referrals to educational advancement programs if appropriate, including HiSet, adult diploma, College preparation, certificate programs, etc
- Access to short-term re/certification and Vocational Skills/Occupational training offered and tailored to the various refugee populations
- Access to re/certification benefits
- Technology literacy skills support, as needed
- Resume creation and interview preparation
- Job development
- Job search and job placement support
- Wrap-around job services offered in small group settings
- Post-employment support includes 30 and 90 days as follow ups after employment
- Career laddering opportunities, job upgrades and higher education assistance, as needed