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Refugee & Immigrant Services

The Jewish community understands what it is like to leave one’s home and resettle in a foreign land. That historic experience fuels our desire to help refugees and immigrants make a successful transition to self-sufficiency. Our culturally diverse staff is recruited directly from the ethnic communities we serve.

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Family Reunification

The Family Reunification Program (Lautenberg) for lawful U.S. residents from former Soviet Union countries is now open!

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A Refugee Story

Mitra tells her family’s story of navigating their way to America.

Beyond Resettlement

JFS works with HIAS, formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, to resettle refugees assigned by the U.S. Department of State. We provide a required set of services from pre-arrival through the first 90 days of the resettlement period. But, our work with our new neighbors extends far beyond that initial three-month period, from Day 91 through citizenship. JFS helps refugees, immigrants and asylees to become economically, socially and civically integrated in our community.

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More Ways to Get Help

Resettlement
Refugees from all over the world are supported and encouraged as they integrate successfully into their new environments. Learn more with our Refugee Resettlement FAQ.
Social Services
We provide assistance in applying for low-cost housing, translation services for school, medical and legal needs, assistance with citizenship applications, classes, and support and referral services.
Employment Services
We assist with employment assessment, job readiness, employment counseling, and job placement and retention.
Mentorship for Professionals

JFS helps meet the needs of resettled refugees who have professional degrees and experience.

Volunteer mentors provide coaching and support.
Language Classes
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered at varying levels in a variety of locations.
Civic Integration
These services include citizenship classes and applications, as well as assistance with legal services, such as adjustment of status (i.e. green card).
Funders
JFS serves individuals and families from King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Most programs are offered at no charge to participants and are made possible by generous funding from:
- HIAS (formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society)
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
- City of Seattle
- City of Bellevue
- City of Kent