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Economic Self-sufficiency Program (ESP)
The goal of this program is to help African
immigrants and refugees with needed skills, knowledge and
support to attain their economic independence. We aim to
eliminate or lessen barriers that Africans face in achieving
economic self-sufficiency.
Serving over 400 people every year, the
economic self-sufficiency program provides job development,
micro business development and financial literacy services to
African immigrants and refugees/asylees and others. The program
is organized into THREE service areas - Job Development
Services, Micro Business Development Services and
Financial Literacy Services:
Job Development Services
Job development services are provided
through three projects:
a)
Refugee Employment Services (RES)
Providing job search and placement services
to African refugees/asylees helping them get jobs.
Qualifications are:
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For single/married refugee/asylee adults without minor
children (under 18 years) who have been in the
USA less than 2 years
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For single/married refugee/asylee adults with minor
children who have been in the
USA for less than 5 years and are receiving county benefits
Activities include teaching participants how
and where to look for a job, how to fill out job applications,
resume writing and preparation, job interviewing tips and
practice, and job retention and upgrade skills.
Referrals are welcome through your
resettlement/volunteer agency or county caseworker. Walk-ins are
always welcome.
b) General Job Development
We provide job placement services to any
individual that does not meet the criteria for the Refugee
Employment Services project.
Activities include teaching participants how
and where to look for a job, how to fill out job applications,
resume writing and preparation, job interviewing tips and
practice, and job retention and upgrade skills.
c) Job Skill Training
We provide job skill training to Refugee
Employment Services and General Job Development participants in
the following areas: Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide,
Banking, Basic Computer Skills, Community Health Worker and
Central Services Technician (medical equipment repair)
Micro Business Development Services
We provide training, referrals and
assistance for African immigrants and refugees that are
interested in starting or expanding their businesses. We help in
area like business plan writing, identifying additional sources
of capital and possible marketing strategies.
We are working on starting a
Pan-African Business Center that will bring together different
African run businesses under one roof. We are working with the
city of
Brooklyn Center
to identify locations and possible capital streams for this. We
would welcome any partnerships and ideas in this area.
Financial Literacy Services
We provide participants with basic financial
knowledge and skills about how the different financial systems
work in the
USA.
Started in 2003 in collaboration with Wells Fargo, this area has
grown over the years. We conduct at least 4 workshops a year
reaching a population of over 120 individuals. As part of this
service we have developed a brochure with tips for new
immigrants called ‘Ten Top Tips for Financial Management’ that
is widely distributed in the community.
We also provide referrals to community
resources that can enhance our participants’ financial wellbeing
including referrals to Individual Development Account (IDA)
saving programs and free financial planning services.
For more information click to download the
brochure
or contact
Asneth Omare
at 763-560-9643
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