Each month this year, Amplio will be highlighting a different non-profit partner providing job preparation and job training within the refugee communities we serve. More than just words, we are committing to financially support the work of the partner we select each month and want you to join us! We will match every dollar given to the Amplio Foundation this month, up to $1000, in support of this month’s partner.
In the hot, Houston summer of 1985, a union of Cambodian, Ethiopian, Laotian and Vietnamese refugee organizations joined together on a mission to better help the many refugees settling in the area. They called their unique collaboration the “Refugee Services Alliance”.
The organization has changed a lot in the past 33 years, but its mission to provide “opportunity for all” has remained the same. Now operating simply as “The Alliance”, as of this year, the organization developed dozens of programs to help refugees, immigrants and the underserved residents of Houston move towards self-sufficiency.
In 2017 alone these programs served 5,595 clients representing 30 countries around the world. From driver’s education to English as a second language, The Alliance is providing practical help to put at-risk residents on the road to success.
Reza Nazari joined the organization in 2015, just one year after arriving in the United States from Afghanistan on a SIV (special immigration visa). He shares that the majority of the Alliance staff are like him—new Americans using their broad range of language and experience to help others navigate the same transition.
As an Employment Counselor, Reza helps find employment opportunities for individuals based on their unique skill-sets, then assists with resume and job interview preparation.
“For refugee and asylee clients who are fully authorized to work in the United States… obtaining employment can be a challenge,” the organization’s website explains. “Our Employment Services help this unique population find employment through a range of services, including customized job development and placement, pre-employment counseling, life skills training, employment up-grade and follow-up services, vocational training and re-certification assistance.”
Through this continuum of programs, Reza and his team walk alongside clients to ensure lifelong success.
“My favorite part of my job is having the opportunity to advocate for the people in need,” he shares. “I work with a team of very friendly, reliable and confident colleagues who are there to help me.”
While establishing a new Amplio location in late 2017, CEO Chris Chancey and partner Luke Keller began making connections in the Houston area. One of these connections was The Alliance.
Reza shares about the initial contact, and the difference it’s made since:
“It was the first time we heard about a recruiting agency that works solely with refugees. We responded with excitement. The Alliance and Amplio Recruiting share a common goal—to help refugees become self-sufficient. The outcome is always positive. Amplio helps transform the lives of people through providing employment. This helps The Alliance improve its self-sufficiency rates even more.”
This May, newly named Houston Managing Directors, Dirk and Raquel Cameron, helped onboard their first group of candidates through the partnership.
“Alliance has been a very active partner in helping us identify candidates for Amplio’s clients,” says Raquel. “They continue to be an important partner for Amplio in Houston.”
Beyond The Alliance’s extraordinary employment program, their Kijana Youth Program made a big splash last year when ten graduating seniors were not only admitted to colleges—they earned full-ride scholarships.
“These students were from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is so significant. It truly is the American Dream.”
At Amplio, we are proud to partner with this incredible organization helping the refugees, immigrants and underserved communities of Houston. We encourage you to visit The Alliance website where you can learn more about their dynamic programs or even volunteer.
Partner with The Alliance for an even greater impact. Through the month of July, make a donation to the Amplio Foundation and your donation will be doubled and given to help their great cause.
To make a charitable donation, visit the Amplio Foundation page. Scroll down and click the Donate Now button. Fill in the amount and payment information, as well as whether you would like for it to be a one-time gift or recurring donation. Click the Give button and you’re done! Thank you for partnering with us to support the refugee workforce.
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