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.

Contact us at ris@jfsseattle.org or by phone.
South King County Office: (253) 850-4065
Eastside Office: (425) 643-2221

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.
• Tatweer: Mentorship for Professionals
  Tatweer 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