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The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in San Diego serves displaced families and individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, and other immigrants, as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Our clients come from countries around the world, fleeing violence, persecution, and humanitarian crises. Many have left their homes with a well-founded fear of return and are seeking safety, stability, and new opportunities.

The United States has a long tradition of welcoming those in need of protection. Refugees are identified by the United Nations refugee agency and undergo extensive vetting before being approved for resettlement. Asylum seekers arrive seeking protection and go through legal processes to gain safety. Immigrants facing hardship may also seek support as they navigate life in a new country.

Since opening in 1975 in response to the arrival of Vietnamese refugees, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in San Diego has helped thousands of individuals and families from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and many others. Regardless of background, we are committed to helping all of our clients access the resources, services, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Our programs in San Diego:

Workforce and Integration:  offers a variety of programs designed to support financial empowerment and employment success for individuals and families in the community. These programs include 1:1 financial literacy coaching, credit building loans, work readiness training, and employment assistance, helping participants achieve long-term self-reliance.

Education and Training: provides essential programs to help refugees and immigrants successfully integrate into their new environments. The department offers Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes, which combine language training with job readiness skills, such as navigating the U.S. job system and enhancing personal career skills. The Career Program supports clients pursuing specific career goals through short-term, industry-recognized certification training and career coaching. Additionally, the Digital Inclusion Program bridges technology gaps by providing digital skills training, 1:1 coaching, and access to in-language guides and internet support. Together, these initiatives empower clients with the tools and knowledge needed for personal and professional growth.

Youth Programs:offer educational and developmental opportunities that build the essential academic, personal, and social skills needed to succeed. These programs focus on empowering youth through mentorship, academic support, and life skills development, helping them navigate challenges and prepare for future opportunities.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC): helps refugee and other small business owners and entrepreneurs to prosper by delivering in-language and no-cost business assistance, training, and access to microloans to start or expand their business. Learn more about SBDC here.

Safety & Wellness: Provides resources and case management support to vulnerable individuals and families whose safety has been threatened. S&W serves survivors of crime, humanitarian parolees, asylum seeking families and other immigrant populations.

Women's Resilience Center (WRC): is a safe, welcoming, and collaborative space designed to support women and girls from all backgrounds. Located within our El Cajon office, WRC serves as a space for healing, empowerment, and community connection. Through a variety of responsive and culturally informed programs, the WRC promotes emotional wellbeing, educational growth, economic empowerment, and health awareness. Services include dialogue with a doctor, sewing and self-defense classes, English Café sessions, drop-in yoga, support groups for mothers and other wellness-focused activities. Each activity is co-created with participants to reflect their voices, experiences, and evolving needs. 

Immigration Legal Services:  with over 40 years of experience, provides quality low-cost and no-cost application assistance and legal representation to refugee, asylee and other immigrant communities in San Diego County.  Click to learn more about available immigration services.

The Development, Finance, and Operations departments at ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ San Diego play crucial roles in supporting the organization's mission and ensuring its effective functioning. The Development Department focuses on fundraising and building relationships with donors, partners, and the community to secure resources necessary for ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s programs and initiatives. The Finance Department manages budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and that the organization remains financially sustainable. The Operations Department oversees the daily logistics, administrative functions, safety, and security, ensuring smooth operations, compliance with regulations, and a safe environment for staff, clients, and volunteers. 

IMPACT REPORTS: 

Our work isn’t possible without your support. Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Make a tax-deductible financial contribution online here or by mail.

: Create your own DIY peer fundraiser  to engage and involve your community with raising funds for the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in San Diego. You can also use the "Team Fundraiser" feature to fundraise as a team!

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities: See our current list of volunteer opportunities and available internships. Contact us at VolunteerSD@Rescue.org with any questions. 

In-KindDonations: From providing a newly arrived refugee family with a warm welcome to emergency supplies for asylum-seekers on the go, we collect specific items that support and empower our clients. See our list here. 

Become an employment partner or get your workplace involved: Are you hiring? Partner with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ to provide employment opportunities for new Americans. Want to get your workplace involved? Join companies like San Diego Gas & Electric in supporting the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ through a corporate workday and/or event sponsorship. Email SanDiego@Rescue.org to get involved.

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