PROMISE OF A DREAM

Finding a new job is stressful for anyone. You can imagine the added difficulty of searching for work in a new country with a new language.

For recently arrived refugees, RefugeeOne offers a Pre-Employment Program; a month of classes that include interview preparation plus lessons on workplace English, paystubs, U.S. American money, clocking in, and much more. 

“It empowers them. It gives them very practical tools that they use to make money for themselves, for their families, and to start their lives here in Chicago,” said Victoria Reeves. She volunteers in the classes along with her husband, Johnny Price.  

“Refugees are just like you and me,” Johnny shared. “They want a job, safety, food, and schools for their kids.” 

Johnny and Victoria have lived overseas, so they have some understanding of what it’s like to struggle in a new culture. That background led them to RefugeeOne, helping newcomers by conducting mock job interviews to get refugees ready for the real thing. 

Johnny says it’s a difference of “night and day” to compare a hesitant participant on day one of class to a graduate who’s confident with a strong handshake, ready smile, and sales pitch of why they’re a good hire.  

Ahmed, a refugee from the Ivory Coast, practiced telling potential employers he’s “a good team player, can follow instructions, and a hard worker.” He taught French in Guinea before he arrived in Chicago. While RefugeeOne helped him apply for jobs, he continued studying English at Truman College, with hopes of being a translator.

RefugeeOne aims to secure every newly arrived adult refugee in a job within 3-6 months of arriving in the U.S. The team searches for new job openings, develops new opportunities with employers, helps with applications, and provides interpretation when necessary. 

A recent job preparation class included a former teacher, electrician, and doctor in the countries they fled—all of whom had to give up those careers to start over in a safe place.  

“These are people rooting up their whole lives to come here and start over on the hope and promise of a dream,” said Victoria. 

The class quickly paid off for hopeful Ahmed. Two months later, he started a full-time position at an upscale downtown Chicago hotel, after shining during his job interview.