Never in recent memory has the job market in the Twin Cities been better than now. And yet, some refugees and immigrants find it difficult to find work that pays living wages, or to find a job at all. The reason: barriers, such as the inability to speak or read English, lack of job skills or transportation, or poor health, get in the way of getting and keeping a job. The Self-Sufficiency Program helps refugees and immigrants prepare for, and get, the jobs they need to support themselves and their dependents.

Fast Track to Employment
Vietnamese refugees and immigrants have a strong desire to become self-sufficient as quickly as possible. Since its inception in 1992, the VSS Self-Sufficiency Program has placed well over two thousand refugees and immigrants in jobs. Its basic employment services include job search assistance, resume and application assistance, direct placement, and job coaching and follow-up. The program has close working relationships with dozens of Twin Cities employers who offer jobs with excellent wages and benefits.
Skills for Today's Job Market
The Self-Sufficiency Program has substantially increased its focus on job training; i.e., providing refugees and immigrants with the skills needed to secure jobs that provide good wages as well as opportunities for advancement. In partnership with Twin Cities companies, the Self-Sufficiency Program develops technical courses that are tailored to the employers' needs. In 1999, 18 students completed an electronic components assembly course taught by a Vietnamese American technician. Plans are currently underway to develop electronic and mechanical blueprint reading courses.
Welfare to Work
The Self-Sufficiency Program provides specialized services for persons receiving public assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). MFIP recipients often have severe barriers to employment. In addition to providing the full array of employment services offered by the Self-Sufficiency Program, the MFIP program helps clients connect with child care, transportation, and mental health resources.

SERVICES

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