PRIME stands for Promoting Refugee Integration, Mobility and Empowerment.
PRIME provides refugees a continuum of services that are community based, comprehensive and client centered. The services promote refugees’ integration into their new communities, and increase their mobility through coaching on how to independently navigate community systems and resources. Refugees use the knowledge gained to empower themselves and regain control over their lives as they fulfill their dreams or goals. PRIME services are available to refugees who are at least 16 years old, and who have resided in the U.S. for five (5) years or less. The services, which are provided by service providers throughout the state, include comprehensive Case Management Services, Self Sufficiency Education Workshops, and Immigration Assistance. In addition, PRIME provides auxiliary services including an asylee outreach program; a civic engagement project; and a mental health support program for those contending with difficulty adjusting in the U.S. and/or residual trauma due to persecution in their home country.
CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
PRIME Case Management services enable refugees to remove barriers that prevent them from achieving economic independence and to integrate successfully into their new communities. Case Management services are related to family stability, economic empowerment, health and wellness, education and training, and cultural integration. The services are designed to be sufficiently flexible, so that they meet the specific needs of individual recipients. Providers can also link refugees in need of services or benefits with other service providers, professionals, and/or agencies.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY WORKSHOPS
PRIME Self-Sufficiency Education Workshops provide newly arrived refugees with critical information that help them to learn how to live and thrive in their new communities in Washington State. The workshops, which are provided in a structured bilingual setting, allow refugees to learn how to access local services and resources independently. Self-Sufficiency Education Workshop topics include:
Advanced Cultural Orientation that builds upon, but does not replicate cultural orientation workshops provided by VOLAG’s during the reception and placement period.
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
PRIME offers refugees assistance with completing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services application to adjust or change immigration status from lawful temporary residence status to lawful permanent residence status after a year in the U.S
QUALIFICATION
PRIME services are available to refugees who are at least 16 years old, and who have resided in the U.S. for five (5) years or less.