top of page

EDUCATIon AND
SUPPORT for NEWCOMERS

International crises have caused a steep increase in migrant students arriving in school districts across the state. As we all work together to ensure students get the resources they need, the IFT has compiled some resources for educators to help you understand, support, and teach these new students who are living through the trauma of displacement, political violence, and war.

RESOURCES
ORGANIZATIONS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

lllinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)

Breandán Magee

bmagee@icirr.org

312.332.7360 x312

SERVES: Statewide

ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. In partnership with member organizations, the Coalition educates and organizes immigrant and refugee communities to assert their rights; promotes citizenship and civic participation; monitors, analyzes, and advocates on immigrant-related issues; and, informs the general public about the contributions of immigrants and refugees.

Carole Robertson Center for Learning

5101 N. Kimball Avenue

Chicago, IL 60625
carolrobertsoncenter.org

773.509.5657

SERVES: North Lawndale, Little Village and Alban Park

 

The Albany Park Community Center educates and supports members of the community as they determine their own path of growth and development, by providing diverse programs and services for individuals, families, groups and businesses.

Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment (AFIRE)

4300 N. California Avenue, Suite 200B

Chicago, IL 60618

afirechicago.org

312.353.0138

SERVES: Chicago, North and Northwest suburbs

 

AFIRE's mission is to build the capacity of Filipino American community to effect constructive social change through grassroots education, action, research, and services.

Arab American Action Network

3148 West 63rd Street

Chicago, IL 60629

aaan.org

773.436.6060

SERVES: Southwest Chicago

 

The Arab American Action Network (AAAN) strives to strengthen the Arab community in the Chicago area by building its capacity to be an active agent for positive social change. As a grassroots nonprofit, our strategies include community organizing, advocacy, education, providing social services, leadership development, cultural outreach and forging productive relationships with other communities.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

4716 North Broadway Avenue

Chicago, IL 60640

advancingjustice.org

773.271.0899

SERVES: Nationwide

The Mission of Asian Americans Advancing Justice is to promote a fair and equitable society for all by working for civil and human rights and empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities.

Association House of Chicago

1116 North Kedzie Avenue

Chicago, IL 60651

associationhouse.org

773.772.7170

SERVES: Chicago

We serve a multi-cultural community by providing comprehensive, collaborative and effective programs in English and Spanish. We promote health and wellness and create opportunities for educational and economic advancement.

Assyrian National Council of Illinois

2450 W. Peterson Avenue

Chicago, IL 60659

ancil.org

773.262.5589

SERVES: Chicago

Assyrian National Council of Illinois is a nationwide non-profit organization that promotes public awareness of Assyrian issues, encourages greater American-Assyrian participation in the American democratic process, and assists in humanitarian and development programs in Illinois and all over USA, and also in Middle East where the Assyrian community resides.

Cambodian Association of Illinois

2831 W. Lawrence Avenue

Chicago, IL 60625

cambodianassociation.org

773.878.7090

SERVES: Chicago metropolitan area (majority Cook County)

Cambodian Association of Illinois enables refugees and immigrants from Cambodia residing in Illinois, especially those in metropolitan Chicago, to become self-sufficient, productive participants in American society while preserving and enhancing their cultural heritage and community.

Centro Romero

6216 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60660

centroromero.org

773.508.5300

SERVES: Cook County, Edgewater, Rogers Park and Uptown, Northeast side of Chicago
 

Centro Romero is a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago. Our interrelated programs include adult education, women's empowerment projects, legal assistance, and youth learning and leadership development as well as special projects such as Community organizing and HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education.

Chicago Irish Immigrant Support

4626 N. Knox Avenue, #301

Chicago, IL 60630

ci-is.com

773.282.8445

SERVES: Chicago and North Suburban Cook County

Chicago Irish Immigrant Support is a not-for-profit organization which serves the needs of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans in the Chicago area and beyond. We are a direct services agency providing frontline immigration services and social services. We have a particular emphasis on serving the needs of our most vulnerable community members, especially the elderly.

Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition

4750 N. Sheridan Road, Suite 429

Chicago, IL 60640

crln.org

773.293.2964

SERVES: Chicago and North Suburban Cook County

We are an interfaith coalition called to challenge faith communities and leaders through education, advocacy, and action to live in compassionate solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers.

Chinese Mutual Aid Association

1016 West Argyle Street

Chicago, IL 60640

chinesemutualaid.org

773.784.2900

SERVES: Cook County, Rogers Park, Edgewater and Uptown

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based social services agency. CMAA's mission is to serve the needs, promote the interests, and enhance the well-being of Chinese and other immigrants and refugees in the Chicagoland area, and to foster their participation in and assimilation into American society.

Christopher House

5235 W. Belden Avenue

Chicago, IL 60639

christopherhouse.org

773.472.1083

SERVES: Chicago

Christopher House is a catalyst for helping at-risk children from birth to age 18 thrive by taking a comprehensive approach to education and creating lifelong learners. Understanding that educating the child is not enough, we also provide supportive services to the entire family that help build stability and self-sufficiency. We serve over 4,000 children and family members every year through our five sites on Chicago's north and west sides.

Claretian Associates

3039 East 91st Street 

Chicago, IL 60617

773.734.9181

SERVES: Nationwide

The Claretians are committed to seeing the world through the eyes of the poor. We strive to respond to the most urgent and timely needs, using all means possible to care for the spiritual and material needs of others. We give special attention to the needs of recent immigrants, youth and families, leadership training, and spiritual renewal.

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

231 S State Street, Suite 300

Chicago, IL 60604

ciogc.org

312.506.0070

SERVES: Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties to include Rogers Park, West Ridge, Chicago Lawn, South Chicago, and parts of West Englewood

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago strives to be the unifying federation of Islamic organizations of Greater Chicago, the leading advocate of Muslim community interests and a catalyst for enriching American Society.

Erie Neighborhood House

1701 W. Superior Street

Chicago, IL 60622

eriehouse.org

312.563.5800

SERVES: West Town, Humboldt Park, Little village, Cicero, Berwyn and surrounding neighborhoods

Erie Neighborhood House is a community service agency founded in 1870 that promotes a just and inclusive society by strengthening low-income, primarily Latino families through skill-building, access to critical resources, advocacy and collaborative action.

Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago

5800 N. Lincoln Avenue, Unit C

Chicago, IL  60659

ECAChicago.org
773.508.0303

SERVES: West Ridge, Rogers Park, Edge Water, Albany Park, Skokie and Evanston

The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (ECAC) is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to serving the cultural, psychological and socio-economic needs of refugees and immigrants in and around metropolitan Chicago. In addition to assisting native Ethiopians, ECAC also supports other African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European refugee populations who seek its services.

Federacions de Clubes Michoacanos

Facebook
312.491.9317

SERVES: Pilsen, Little Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, Brighton Park, Back of the Yards, Englewood, McKinley Park, Archer Heights, Gage Park, West Chicago, West Lawn, North Lawndale, Aurora, Bloomington, Joliet, Kankakee, Moline, Peoria, Carbondale, Murphysboro, Elkville, Percy, Cobden, Du Coin, Marion, Anna, Gorham, Chester, West Frankfort, Alto Pass, Harrisburg, Herrin, and the counties of Rock Island, Peoria, McLean, Kankakee, Joliet, Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane.

 

Promover el bienestar y el progreso de los michoacanos y mexicanos tanto en el medio oeste de Estados Unidos, como en el Estado de Michoacán, México, a través de proyectos educativos, culturales, productivos y sociales dentro de un cuento binacional.

Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Rights

55 East Monroe, Suite 2620

Chicago, IL 60603
heartlandalliance.org
312.660.1300

SERVES: Chicago, North Cook, Lake and DuPage counties

 

Heartland Alliance advances the human rights and responds to the human needs of endangered populations-particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced-through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society.

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of Chicago

230 W. Monroe, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60606
hiaschicago.org
312.357.4800

SERVES: Nationwide

 

The mission of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS Chicago) is to guide Jewish immigrants and others through the immigration process to the ultimate goal of United States citizenship; to aid them in bringing their families here as new immigrants and to reunite them with family or friends already here; to foster American ideals among the newcomers and to instill a knowledge of American history and institutions, a sense of true patriotism and love for their adopted country, and to make better known to the people of the United States the need to promote immigration.

Instituto del Progreso Latino

2520 S. Western Avenue

Chicago, IL 60608

idpl.org
773.890.0055

SERVES: Chicago, Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties

 

Our mission is to contribute to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training and employment that fosters full participation in the changing United States society while preserving cultural identity and dignity.

Iraqi Mutual Aid Society

6328 N. Clark Street, Suite 1
Facebook
773.956.4727

SERVES: Chicago

 

The purpose of the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society is to foster the well-being and self-sufficiency of Iraqi refugees and immigrants in the Chicago-metro area: easing their transition to life in the United States, forging connections between Iraqi and American society, and facilitating the preservation and exchange of Iraqi culture.

Korean American Community Services

4300 N. California Ave

Chicago, IL 60618
kacschicago.org
773.583.5501

SERVES: Nationwide

 

Our mission at KACS is to celebrate our ethnicity and to empower all members of the community by providing educational, legal, health and social services.

Mujeres Latinas en Accion

2124 West 21st Place

Chicago, IL 60608
mujereslat.org

773.890.7676

SERVES: Chicago metropolitan 

 

Mujeres Latinas en Acción empowers Latinas through providing services which reflect their values and culture and being an advocate on the issues that make a difference in their lives.

Muslim Women Resource Center

2828 West Devon Avenue

Chicago, IL 60659

mwrcnfp.org
773.764.1686

SERVES: West Ridge, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Bowman, Lincoln Square, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Evanston, Des Plaines, and Niles

Muslim Women Resource Center provides refugee women and their families, who come from more than thirty countries around the world, with the social services, resources and support they need to advance their well-being and facilitate their adjustment, integration and friendship with the wider society in Chicago.

National Immigrant Justice Center

224 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 600

Chicago, IL 60604
immigrantjustice.org
312.660.1370

SERVES: Nationwide

 

NIJC provides direct legal services to and advocates for these populations through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. Since its founding three decades ago, NIJC has been unique in blending individual client advocacy with broad-based systemic change.

ONE Northside

4648 N. Racine

Chicago, IL 60640
onenorthside.org
773.769.3232

SERVES: Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Ravenswood, North Center, Lake View, and Lincoln Park

ONE Northside is a mixed-income, multi-ethnic, intergenerational organization of institutions that unites our diverse community. Our mission is to build power and develop leadership so that the community can address critical human rights issues that improve our common life.

Refugee One

6008 North California Avenue

Chicago, IL 60659
refugeeone.org
773.989.5647

SERVES: Chicago 

 

Refugee One is a refugee resettlement agency that provides a full range of services to refugees resettled in the Chicago area. Our primary focus is to assist the refugee in becoming an independent, self-supporting member of the new community as soon as possible.

Resurrection Project

1805 South Paula Street

Chicago, IL 60608

resurrectionproject.org

312.666.1323

SERVES: Statewide

The Resurrection Project (TRP) builds trusting relationships to educate and propel individuals, immigrants, and families to achieve their social and economic aspirations, stable homes, and equitable participation in their community. TRP is a leading provider of affordable housing, financial education, and immigration services on Chicago’s Southwest side. 

South-East Asia Center

5120 N. Broadway Street

Chicago, IL 60640
se-asiacenter.org
773.989.6927

SERVES: Northeast quadrant of Chicago, Lake Michigan on the east, Pulaski on the west; and Howard on the north to Irving Park on the South

South-East Asia Center's mission is to build bridges of understanding and cooperation amongst all Asian people as well as between peoples of Eastern and Western upbringing. We work with native-born Americans and immigrants, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

United African Organization

6042 South Indiana Avenue

Chicago, IL 60637
uniteafricans.org
312.949.9980

SERVES: Statewide

The United African Organization is a dynamic coalition of African national associations that promotes social and economic justice, civic participation, and empowerment of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois.

Universidad Popular

2801 S. Hamlin Ave

Chicago, IL 60623
universidadpopular.us
773.733.5055

SERVES: Little Village, Humboldt Park and West Lawn

To reach community empowerment through participatory learning. Universidad Popular works in partnership with neighborhood residents to transform their lives and ultimately, the community.

Vietnamese Association of Illinois

5110 N Broadway St

Chicago, IL 60640
hnvi.org
773.728.3700

SERVES: Little Village, Humboldt Park and West Lawn

Our Mission is to strengthen and perpetuate the unity and solidarity of the Vietnamese residing in the state of Illinois. To generate and implement the mutual assistance spirit among the Vietnamese ethnic group members. To promote, support and develop cultural, social and educational programs to serve people in Illinois. To foster the development and strength of various Vietnamese organizations in the state of Illinois.

Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness

19990 Governors Highway

Olympia Fields, IL 60461

auntmarthas.org
877.692.8686

SERVES: Statewide

Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center, through the Health and Outreach Center, provides comprehensive primary health care and ancillary services to persons who are homeless.

Cass County Health Department

331 S. Main Street

Virginia, IL 62691

casscohealth.org
217.452.3057

SERVES: Cass and Schyler counties

The Cass County Health Department (CCHD) is committed to the philosophy that each individual human being has the basic right to expect and secure prevention information and public health services that are necessary to promote and sustain their optimal physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Children’s Legal Center

110 W. Cermak Road, Suite 422

Chicago, IL 60608

Childrenslegalcenterchicago.org
312.722.6642

SERVES: Statewide

Providing free immigration legal services to children and families with children including refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project – FLAP

33 N. LaSalle Street, #900

Chicago, IL  60602

flapillinois.org
888.451.3527

SERVES: 27 counties: Boone, Carroll, Cass, Cook, Champaign, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Iroquois, Jo Daviess, Lake, LaSalle, Kankakee, Kane, Kendall, Lee, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, Stephenson, Tazewell, Whiteside, Will, and Winnebago

The Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP) – Ayuda para Trabajadores del Campo y Jardineros – was incorporated February 8, 1999 in response to a 1996 Congressional ruling that prohibited federally funded legal services programs from filing class actions for, and representing many of low-income workers. This prohibition includes H-2A agricultural workers, H-2B forestry workers, and victims of battery, extreme cruelty, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Justice and legal representation, that for decades inspired millions of oppressed people to come to America, were denied to hundreds of thousands of low-income workers, most of them Latinos. While FLAP serves all classifications of workers, it focuses on very low-income laborers and their households.

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

6 E. Main Street

Round Lake, IL 60073

mamfrc.org

847.201.1521

SERVES: Lake and McHenry counties

Mano a Mano’s mission is to empower immigrant families to become full participants in their community. Our vision is an integrated community where everyone has access to opportunities and pathways to success.

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

6 E. Main Street

Round Lake, IL 60073

mamfrc.org

847.201.1521

SERVES: Lake and McHenry counties

Mano a Mano’s mission is to empower immigrant families to become full participants in their community. Our vision is an integrated community where everyone has access to opportunities and pathways to success.

Puentes de Esperanza

8 Executive Drive, Suite 200

Fairview Heights, IL 62208

hoyleton.org

618.398.0557

SERVES: Southern IL: Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties

Puentes de Esperanza helps Spanish speaking residents in Southern Illinois find community resources that can help them establish citizenship, build a family, find employment, and more.

Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees

1800 7th Avenue

Moline, IL 61265

qcair.org

563.594.0854

SERVES: Quad Cities Metropolitan Area

 

Our mission is to assist immigrants and refugees in integrating into the Quad Cities community by advocating for immigrants and refugees and collaborating with appropriate service providers.

Rock Valley College Refugee and Immigrant Services

303 N. Main

Rockford, IL 61101

rockvalleycollege.edu

815-921-2270

815-921-2272

SERVES: Winnebago and Boone counties, northern 10 counties

 

Refugee & Immigrant Services provides adjustment and employment services to refugees from the northern ten counties in Illinois.  Our Business Services staff works with employers who have found that hiring refugees and immigrants through our program has assisted them in attaining great productivity and discovering outstanding employees.

SAL Family and Community Services

1609 4th Street, Building 2

Rock Island, IL 61262

salcommunityservices.org

309.793.8201

SERVES: Moline, Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, and Knox Counties

 

We believe all children can be successful and all adults can thrive when everyone has the right education, support, and resources.  We know early care and education is an economic driver that helps more parents go to work and school and puts more dollars back into the community through higher high school graduation rates, higher income for those children when they become adults, and more stable families. We know people have the capacity to move out of poverty and weather life’s storms when they have a network of peers, family, and friends for support. 

The Immigration Project

211 Landmark Drive, Suite B3A

Normal, IL 61761

immigrationproject.org

309.829.8703

SERVES: Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, Grundy, LaSalle, Bureau, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Marshall, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Warren, Woodford, Tazewell, McDonough, Fulton, McLean, Hancock, Adams, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Clinton, Greene, Jersey, Logan, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, St. Clair, Marion, Ford, Shelby, Macon, DeWitt, Fayette, Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Moultrie, Piatt, Vermilion, Wabash, Edward, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Massac, Pope, Richland, Saline, Wayne, White, Jefferson, Johnson, Franklin, Williamson, Alexander, Jackson, Monroe, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Union, and Washington Counties

 

The Immigration Project was founded in 1995 with the goal of ensuring legal access to the immigrant populations of downstate Illinois.

The Refugee Center

201 W. Kenyon Road, Suite 4D

Champaign, IL 61820
therefugeecenter-cu.org

217.344.8455

SERVES: East Central Illinois including Champaign, Ford, Vermillion, Piatt and Douglas counties

 

Our professional staff understand what you are going through, and we are here to help you settle and thrive in your new home. We are available to accompany you to appointments, meetings, and other situations where you need help with translation or interpretation. We offer counseling services to help you prepare for these events. 

University of Illinois YMCA

1001 S. Wright Street

Champaign, IL 61802

universityymca.org

217.337.1500

SERVES: Champaign County

 

The New American Welcome Center works to co-create a community where all immigrants can thrive and flourish. We do this by engaging local institutions and mobilizing community resources to ensure equitable access to services, economic opportunity, and meaningful belonging.

Western Illinois Dreamers

204 W. Jefferson Street

Macomb, IL 61455

westernillinoisdreamers.org/en

224.501.4479

309.255.5027

SERVES: McDonough, Cass, Warren, Sangamon, Rock Island, Peoria, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will, Lake, and Cook Counties, including cities of Monmouth, Beardstown, Macomb

 

Western Illinois Dreamers seeks to empower immigrant and refugee communities by informing them of their rights and securing resources that will foster their successful integration into society.

World Relief Moline

1852 16th Street

Moline, IL  61265

worldrelief.org/quad-cities

309.764.2279

SERVES: Rock Island County

 

World Relief Quad Cities is a not-for-profit agency providing services to refugees and immigrants in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa. We seek to provide financial, emotional, cultural, and spiritual support to refugees – victims of war and persecution around the world – who are being placed in the Quad Cities.

NEWS
bottom of page