May 10, 2023
•
Grant Proposal
II&E Legal Services Program
Created by
revrnt
enter@revrnt.com
Prepared for
Immigrant Integration & Empowerment
info@iiande.org
iiande.org
iiande.org
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Afghan immigrant community in our area. We are submitting this grant proposal to secure funding to provide essential legal and paralegal services to assist Afghan immigrants with their asylum, residency, citizenship, and other legal needs. Our aim is to empower immigrants by helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensuring their access to the rights and protections they deserve.
To hire a team of experienced lawyers and paralegals who will directly provide legal services to Afghan immigrants.
To develop and deliver educational programs covering various legal topics, including asylum, residency, citizenship, traffic rules and regulations, and family legal matters.
Our grant will primarily benefit Afghan immigrants in our community who are encountering legal challenges. This includes individuals seeking asylum, residency, or citizenship, as well as those facing legal issues related to traffic, family law, and other areas of law.
There is a pressing need for legal assistance within our immigrant community, as a significant number of Afghan immigrants lack the resources to hire legal representation. Furthermore, many are unaware of the available legal services. By securing this grant, we will bridge this gap and provide vital legal and paralegal support to Afghan immigrants in our community.
In 2019, the estimated Afghan-born population in the United States was around 81,000, with the majority residing in California, New York, and Virginia. Sacramento and surrounding counties, including Yolo, Sutter, Placer, and El Dorado, have experienced a growth in their Afghan population, with current estimates ranging from 18,000 to 23,000. However, it's crucial to recognize that these numbers may have changed since the last census and may not account for all Afghan immigrants in the area.
The demographics and characteristics of Sacramento's Afghan population may differ from the national picture. The Arden-Arcade area in the Sacramento region is a focal point for Afghan refugees, with approximately 4,200 residents as of two years ago. Thousands more have settled in the area through Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and other resettlement efforts.
We will work with the community, partners, and stakeholders to develop, implement and track our project to maximize program outcome and ensure we are efficiently providing maximum value to the refugee community.
The goal of this proposal is to provide legal and para-legal services and training to immigrants to assist them with their asylum, residency, citizenship, and other legal matters.
A needs assessment will be conducted to determine the specific legal concerns of the immigrant population in the area.
Legal and para-legal services will be provided, including assistance with asylum, residency, citizenship, and other legal matters. This will include representation in court and before government agencies.
The needs assessment will include the following steps
The first step is to identify the specific population of immigrants that the needs assessment will focus on. This may include factors such as country of origin, language(s) spoken, and length of time in the United States.
Collect data on the legal needs of the immigrant population through a variety of methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and literature reviews. Some of these steps have already been taken. The literature review is included as part of this proposal.
Analyze the data collected to identify patterns and trends in the legal needs of the immigrant population.
Identify gaps in existing legal services and support for the immigrant population, such as lack of access to legal representation or language barriers. These gaps have also been identified through our services to the community in Sacramento county and literature review.
Prioritize the identified needs based on the urgency and potential impact on the population.
Develop recommendations for addressing the identified needs, such as increasing access to legal representation, providing language support, and training legal professionals to work with immigrant populations.
It's important to note that a needs assessment should involve input from members of the community, as well as from legal professionals and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that it is representative of the population it is serving and addresses the community's specific needs and culture.
Outreach efforts will be made to inform immigrants of the availability of these services and to reduce the fear and mistrust surrounding the legal system.
Training will be provided to legal professionals and community leaders on how to work with immigrants effectively.
Increased access to legal services for immigrants.
Improved legal outcomes for immigrants, including successful asylum, residency, citizenship applications and representation in court.
Reduced fear and mistrust surrounding the legal system for immigrants.
Increased understanding and awareness of the legal needs of immigrants among legal professionals and community leaders.
A better understanding of the cultural differences of the United States legal system and reducing conflict and miscommunication.
Increased self-esteem and self-image.
Increased opportunities for employment.
Note: Actual budgets may vary depending on location, salaries, and other factors. Adjustments can be made as needed. Costs for mental health classes may also depend on class type and content.
ITEM / PERSONNEL, ETC.
RATE OF PAY AND NUMBER OF HOURS
Project Director
$65 / hr 120 hr / mo
Attorney/Consultant
$150 / hr 120 hr / mo
Paralegal/Office Manager/Case Manager
$100 / hr 20 hr / wk
Translator/Culture Advisor
$35 / hr 25 hr / wk
Office Assistant
$25 / hr 20 hr / wk
Office, meeting room rental, power, and office supplies
$4,000 / mo
Discretionary Fund for Graphics person/videographer/ social media and marketing person as needed
$2,000 / mo
Transportation costs for clients
SUBTOTAL
Project Director
$65 / hr 120 hr / mo
Attorney/Consultant
$2,000 / mo
Paralegal/Office Manager/Case Manage
$100 / hr X 50 hr
Translator/Culture Advisor
$50 / hr 10 hr / wk
Office, meeting room rental, power, and office supplies
$4,000 / month
Office Assistant
$25 / hr X 10 hr / wk = $3,000 / mo
Discretionary Fund for Graphics person /videographer
/ social media and marketing person as needed
$2,000 / month
Transportation costs for students
SUBTOTAL
Project Director/Manager
$65 / hr 120 hr / mo
Attorney/Consultant
$60 / hr 120 hr / mo
Paralegal/Office Manager/Case Manager
$50 / hr x 10 hr / wk
Office, meeting room rental, power, and office supplies
$4,000 / mo
Office Assistant
$25 / hr X 160 hr
Instructors/advisor
$30 / hr X 5 hr / wk x 3 instructors
Discretionary Fund, Marketing/ Government fees
$2,000 / month
Transportation costs for clients
SUBTOTAL
Project Director/Manager
$65 / hr 120 hr / mo
Attorney/Consultant
$60 / hr 120 hr / mo
Paralegal/Office Manager/Case Manager
$50 / hr x 10 hr / wk
Office, meeting room rental, power, and office supplies
$100 / hr X 50 hr
Instructors/Advisor
$30 / hr X 5 hr / wk x 3 instructors
Emergency Shelter, food, housing, clothing and etc
$75/ hr X 300 hr
Discretionary Fund for Graphics person /videographer
/ social media and marketing person as needed
$2,000 / month
Transportation costs for clients
SUBTOTAL
GRAND TOTAL
II&E is uniquely positioned to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to newly arrived immigrants and refugees in the Sacramento area. Our organization has a proven track record of providing comprehensive services tailored to this population's specific needs, including education, language courses, health and wellbeing programs, driving education, and translation services.
One of the key factors that set us apart from other organizations is our deep understanding of the unique challenges that immigrants and refugees face when resettling in the United States. We recognize that language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of familiarity with the American educational and healthcare systems can be major sources of stress and anxiety for newly arrived individuals and families. By providing linguistically and culturally appropriate services, we can help to alleviate some of this stress and provide the support needed for successful adaptation and integration into American society.
Our team of experienced professionals is highly trained in working with diverse populations and understands the nuances of providing culturally sensitive care. We have a deep respect for the cultures and traditions of our clients and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where they feel comfortable seeking out the support and resources they need.
See the team on the II&E website
Overall, II&E is the most appropriate organization to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to newly arrived immigrants and refugees in the Sacramento area. Our comprehensive range of services, deep understanding of the unique challenges facing this population, and commitment to cultural sensitivity make us the ideal partner for supporting the successful resettlement and integration of immigrants and refugees in our community.
IIE's Driving Education Courses program aims to provide driving permit (theoretical) lessons based on the California Driving Book provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This program is designed to support immigrants, particularly women and those who are illiterate or do not speak English, to pass the driving test and gain a driving license. Gaining a driving license is one of the main struggles of immigrants in Sacramento, and this program aims to provide the necessary support to overcome this challenge.
Without linguistically and culturally accessible care, refugees and immigrants may have difficulty developing trust in, and respect for, physicians, medical staff, and Western medicine. Without clear communication of medical history, current needs, and personal health practices and beliefs, immigrants and refugees are prone to medical mistakes. Possible errors include patient-provider miscommunication, and cultural sensitivity is often as crucial as competent interpretation in cross-cultural medical treatment.
If you need a translator to join you via phone or video at your appointment, please contact us a few days ahead of your appointment. This will ensure the availability of a volunteer at that specific time.
II&E also provides language assistance services to immigrants at no cost to families.
English Language Courses
Dari and Pashto Language Courses
For immigrants’ children and adults who want to learn their native tongues.
The purpose of this program is to provide support for newly arrived immigrants who do not speak English and to aid in the academic success of immigrant children. The tutoring services try to reduce the tension of immigrant families due to their unfamiliarity with the educational system in the United States of America as well as to ensure their smooth adaptation within their community and the society overall.
We recognize that depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among a majority of newly resettled immigrants/refugees in the US (Sacramento). Poverty, lack of education, language proficiency, housing issues, unemployment, isolation, poor access to services, and other disadvantages in the new community are common post-migration stressors that can greatly impact mental health. Hence, Immigrants/refugees are facing a wide variety of serious and/or chronic health and social issues. It is II&E’s aim to provide health and well-being support to assist with access to healthcare services and educate these vulnerable individuals about a variety of health issues that can affect and possibly save their lives.
Resources and information on children’s and adolescents’ health, wellness, and safety as well as education and training. Our aim is to identify these risk factors and help children of immigrants and refugees with mental health and other common problems.
Our aim is to move from distress to wellness. This program is designed to promote emotional wellness and suicide prevention among immigrants and refugees. We believe early interventions with vulnerable immigrants/refugees can help to reduce emotional, social, and psychological stress and lower the risk of individuals developing more serious mental health concerns in the future. Mental health threatens not only the parents but the children as well. The uncertainty about their future, the stress of adjusting to a new society, numerous losses, and the focus on their traumatic past may contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, hopelessness, and depression among refugees and new immigrants.
Passing the driving test and gaining a driving license remains one of the main struggles of the immigrants in Sacramento. Especially women, and some men who are completely illiterate even in their native language; as well as those who do not speak English. This program aims to provide driving permit (theoretical) lessons based on the California Driving Book provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
II&E's culturally and linguistically appropriate services have helped many immigrant women to become more productive and raise their self-esteem. By providing education, language courses, health and wellbeing programs, driving education, and translation services, II&E has helped hundreds of immigrants to successfully adapt and integrate into American society.
A young immigrant woman approached us for help in resolving conflicts with her family. Her parents were not supportive of her decision to pursue higher education and were pressuring her to get married. We worked with the family to help them understand the importance of education and the woman's desire to pursue her dreams. Through counseling and mediation, we were able to help the family come to a resolution that allowed the woman to continue her studies and pursue her career goals.
A single mother immigrated to the United States with her two children. She was having trouble communicating with her children and understanding their needs. We provided her with training on child development and effective communication techniques. With our guidance, she was able to develop a stronger relationship with her children and provide them with the support they needed to thrive.
A group of immigrants in a local community were experiencing conflict with their neighbors over access to resources such as parking and communal spaces. We provided conflict resolution and mediation services, facilitating conversations between the two groups. Through our efforts, the two groups were able to find a mutually beneficial solution that allowed everyone to access the resources they needed without conflict.
An immigrant couple was struggling to understand the legal terminology and procedures related to their immigration case. We provided them with training on legal terminology and court procedures, preparing them for their upcoming court proceedings. With our guidance, the couple was able to navigate the legal system with confidence and successfully obtained legal status.
An immigrant family was facing legal proceedings related to their immigration status. We provided them with legal representation and accompanied them to court. Our advocacy and representation helped the family obtain a favorable outcome, allowing them to remain in the United States and continue building their lives.
One of our clients, a female immigrant, had been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. She reached out to us for help, and our team provided her with legal assistance, counseling, and support. With our help, she was able to file for a restraining order against her husband and successfully obtain a divorce. She has since started a new life with her children, free from violence.
Another client, a male immigrant, was going through a difficult divorce that involved custody battles and property disputes. He was unsure of his rights and felt overwhelmed by the legal process. Our team provided him with legal advice and representation, as well as emotional support. With our help, he was able to successfully negotiate a settlement that was fair and equitable for both parties.
In another case, a group of immigrant students were having conflicts with their peers due to cultural differences and misunderstandings. Our team provided conflict resolution training and support, as well as mediation services. With our help, the students were able to work through their differences and build a more cohesive and respectful school community.
A male immigrant reached out to us for help in getting a restraining order against his abusive partner. He was afraid for his safety and that of his children, but didn't know where to turn for help. Our team provided legal assistance and counseling, and helped him navigate the court system. With our help, he was able to obtain a restraining order and protect himself and his family from further harm.