Refugee Program

Since 1975 Illinois has resettled more than 123,644 refugees from more than 60 countries. The Refugee Program facilitates relocation and social service assistance to people who are victims of political and religious persecution that have been granted the legal right to rebuild their lives in the United States. Due to the diverse ethnic characteristics, the Refugee Program designed a unique social service program to provide specialized multi-lingual services.

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago administers this program through a network of community-based partner agencies.

The Refugee Program procures community-based services which include adjustment counseling, orientation, English as a Second Language, vocational training, job readiness, and job placement. Multi-lingual mental health services are provided for those refugees who experienced severe trauma and require therapy. Of a total of 9 program sites, 6 are in Chicago and 3 are outside Chicago city limits.

The Refugee Program also procures health screening services with local health care providers to ensure that newly-arrived refugees are provided with a complete health screening. The goal of the program is to prevent any public health problems resulting from lack of detection and treatment of communicable diseases.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to provide a charitable donation, employment opportunity, housing, food, legal assistance or other assistance for the Afghan resettlement effort in Illinois, please contact one of the resettlement agencies below or fill out this form and we will respond as soon as possible.

Afghanistan Refugee Support Form

Refugee Resettlement Agencies

Organization Address Phone
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago 4823 N. Kenmore Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

Phone: 312-655-7856

Fax: 312-879-0208

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Rockford 6116 Mulford Village Dr. Suite #8 Rockford, IL 61107

Phone: 815-399-1709

Fax: 815-962-9036

Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago 5800 N. Lincoln Avenue, Unit A/B Chicago, IL 60659

Phone: 773-508-0303

Fax: 773-728-0571

Heartland Human Care Services 4419 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60640

Phone: 773-830-5957

Fax: 773-728-4907

JCFS Chicago/HIAS 5150 Golf Rd. Skokie, IL 60076 Phone:  312-357-4666
Refugee One 5705 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60659

Phone: 773-989-5647

Fax: 773-989-0484

Rock Valley College

Reception & Placement for 90 days is not offered.

Refugee Support Services is offered.

3301 North Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61114

Phone: 815-921-7821

Fax: 800-973-7821

The Refugee Center-ECRIMAC 201 W. Kenyon Rd. Suite #4D Champaign, IL 61820

Phone: 217-344-8455

Fax: 217-239-0159

World Relief Corporation - Chicago 3507 W. Lawrence Ave. Suite #208 Chicago, IL 60625

Phone: 773-583-9191

Fax: 773-583-9410

World Relief Corporation - Aurora 73 S. LaSalle St. Aurora, IL 60505

Phone: 630-906-9546

Fax: 630-906-9722

World Relief Corporation - Dupage 191 S. Gary Avenue, Suite #130 Carol Stream, IL 60188

Phone: 630-462-7566

Fax: 630-462-8103

World Relief Corporation - Quad Cities 1852 16th St. Moline, IL 61265

Phone: 309-764-2279

Fax: 309-764-2399

List of Places to Volunteer/Donate

Refugee Support Information

Who can receive these services?

Services for these programs are extended to the following individuals:

  • Refugees
  • Asylees
  • SIV holders
  • Parolees