Messaging refugee services to external partners

Messaging refugee services to external partners: Beyond a strengths-based approach and into a business strategy Hillary Prag: State of Colorado Refugee Services Program Marzia Kaka: Lutheran Family Services

Colorado Dashboard Demographic Data 

Between 1.5%-1.9% of refugees resettling in U.S. come to Colorado.  1797 in 2012  2199 in 2013

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Current largest populations: Burmese populations, Bhutanese, Iraqis, East and Central Africans

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Refugees are resettled in Denver metropolitan area as well as Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins.

Employment Data 

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Entered Employment Rate  68% in 2012  72% in 2013

90 Day Retention Rate: 88%  69.64% of jobs are outside meat packing and hotels

2014 Goal: 75%

2014 Goal: 90% 2014 Goal: 70%

“[Certain Organization] Minnesota is always looking for employers that are willing to hire refugees.”

“[Certain Organization] helps our clients find jobs at no cost to employers. Caritas assists clients with various employment services and maintains a 90% placement rate.”

“What do refugees have to offer a business? Refugee clients who resettle in the U.S. typically arrive with no economic security and therefore must initially rely on limited financial assistance.”

“WHO WE ARE We are a free service to both employer and employee. We provide pre-screened, readyto-work applicants with a wide range of skills and abilities from around the state. [Certain Organization] can help you access a variety of work incentive programs that can save your business money.”

“WHO WE ARE We are a free service to both employer and employee. We provide pre-screened, readyto-work applicants with a wide range of skills and abilities from around the state. [Certain Organization] can help you access a variety of work incentive programs that can save your business money.”

“It is critical for a refugee to find a first job. [Certain Organization] strives to place each employable adult in a full-time job that pays a living wage by the end of three months. The job readiness program... After completing the program, Job Placement staff work to place refugees at companies that accept referrals from the agency.”

“Finding and hiring the right employee can be expensive and time consuming — no matter the size of your business. [Certain Organization] Employment Services will help you find the best candidates for your organization.”

Our Job Developers’ Rule of Thumb Time Spent 1% 5% 2%

Talking about our Organization

Talking about Refugees

Talking about their Needs

Small Talk

92%

Skills Activity: Objections

• What objections do you hear from employers or business partners? • What answers have you been able to successfully use?

We are selling ourselves as job developers, our trustworthiness, our business partnership.

Skills Activity: Successful/Failed/On the Fence • Discuss relationships you have with a business partner that is or was: 1. Successful 2. Failed 3. On the Fence