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National Agency

USCRI

Affiliate Code

TBD

Office State

Nevada

Office City

Reno

Office Name

Northern Nevada International Center

Office Address

821 North Center Street, Reno, NV 89501


JOINT SITE

If joint site, with which agency


or agencies?

SUB-OFFICE

N/A

Sub-office

N/A

Administering affiliate

N/A

R&P PROGRAM AFFILATE STAFFING


R&P FTE paid by other
R&P FTE paid by R&P
(not including volunteers) Total Client/FTE Ratio
FY2015

N/A

N/A

N/A

FY2016

1.2

0.4

47/1

CASELOAD STATISTICS
(number of individuals)
PROPOSED FY2016

FY2014 Actual Arrivals

N/A

FY2015 Acknowledged Capacity

N/A

FY2015 Anticipated Arrivals

N/A

AF

EA

ECA

LAC

NE/SA

Total

U.S. Tie Capacity

10

10

No U.S. Tie Capacity

25

30

65

25

40

75

Total Capacity

FY2014 R&P PERIOD REPORT OUTCOMES


R&P Period Employment % (individuals):

N/A

N/A

R&P Period Out-Migration % (individuals):

Total R&P Period Reports Submitted for FY2014 (number of cases/number of individuals):

N/A

Number of reports showing social security card application as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing enrollment in cash assistance as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing enrollment in medical assistance as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing enrollment in SNAP (food stamps) as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing enrollment in ESL as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing enrollment in employment services as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing school enrollment of minor child as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing health screening as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing enrollment in other services as appropriate as late or incomplete

N/A

Number of reports showing household income not exceeding expenses

N/A

Number of reports showing that refugee is unable to identify source(s) of household income and expenses
after R&P assistance ends

N/A

USCRI Proposal for PRM-USRAP-16-001

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RECENT/PROPOSED CASELOAD

Nationalities served FY2014FY2015

N/A

Proposed nationalities FY2016

Colombia, Cuba, Dem. Rep. of Congo, Iraq, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Syria

Languages available on staff to


support the proposed caseload
Languages available from within the
community of resettlement to support
the proposed caseload
Other language resources used

French, Spanish

Amharic, Arabic, Tigrinya


Agency has an interpreter bank offering many additional languages.
Language Line and USCRI Interpreting Service also available if needed.
SITE RATIONALE

Number of other affiliates present


Local overall unemployment rate
Available jobs

0
5.9%
Food service, hospitality, construction, landscaping, healthcare,
maintenance, manufacturing, temp agencies, retail, transportation,
warehouses, etc.

Average starting wage

$8.70 per hour Most full-time jobs include benefits.

Average monthly rent and availability


(Note whether Always, Frequently,
Sometimes, or Never Available)

1-Bedroom: $650
2-Bedroom: $800
3-Bedroom: $1,00

Average wait time for newly arrived


refugees to receive a health screening

15-30 days

Available: Frequently
Available: Frequently
Available: Frequently

GRIEVANCE AND PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE (PSEA) POLICY

Indicate whether you have a grievance policy.

X Yes

No

Indicate whether you have incorporated the IASCs six core principles for
PSEA in your organizations code of conduct for all staff and volunteers.

X Yes

No

1. Health Care Access and Refugees with Special Needs: The Northern Nevada International
Center (NNIC) will be able to accommodate refugees with special needs through the wide
range of services available in Reno and Sparks. Housing for families with over 8 members
may be difficult to secure. Wheelchair-accessible housing is available, but such housing
would require additional time to access. Although Reno is home to many free and low-cost
clinics and health resources, NNIC will need additional time to ensure that timely and
culturally appropriate mental health services are available before accepting clients with
serious mental health conditions.

USCRI Proposal for PRM-USRAP-16-001

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2. Public Outreach: NNIC has a long history of collaborating with local, county and state
officials through its public diplomacy, language services, and educational outreach programs.
NNIC serves as the link for community members interested in international affairs and
programs, and assists visitors and newcomers to the community. The City of Reno Mayor,
Hillary Schieve, as well as the City Managers Office, are supportive of NNICs efforts to
establish a refugee resettlement program. NNIC has also consulted with the Washoe County
School District, the Washoe County Health Department, and other local service providers,
and all have enthusiastically supported NNICs application to become a resettlement affiliate.
NNIC also has the full support of the University of Nevada, Reno. NNICs Executive
Director, Dr. Carina Black, has also been in regular communication with the Nevada State
Refugee Coordinator and State Refugee Health Coordinator, Carisa Lopez-Ramirez, who is
also the Director of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. Ms. Lopez-Ramirez invited Dr.
Black to Las Vegas November 11 and 12, 2015 to participate in meetings and trainings, to
help prepare for NNICs application to participate in the R&P program.
3. Financial Resources: NNIC is affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno and is located
on the Universitys campus. University students provide NNIC with many volunteers and
interns who support NNICs work and will provide assistance to refugee clients. NNIC will
conduct outreach within the community to secure donations of furnishings, clothing, and
other items for newly arriving families. In addition, NNIC will apply for grants and solicit
private funds to supplement R&P funding and services.

Type of Donor

Projected Contributions to the R&P Program


FY2015
FY2014
FY2014
FY2015
Estimated
Actual
Actual In- Estimated
In-kind
Cash
kind Value
Cash
Value

Foundations/
Corporations
Faith-based/
Community-based
Organizations
Fees for Service
Individuals
Volunteer
Hours/Miles
State/County/Local
Government:
[SOURCE]
Headquarters
Affiliate/Sub-office
Other:
TOTALS
TOTALS PER
CAPITA

USCRI Proposal for PRM-USRAP-16-001

FY2016
Projected
Cash

FY2016
Projected
In-kind
Value

$5,000

$10,000
$5,000

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

$10,000

$10,000

$133

$133

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Statement of Rationale for Proposed Affiliate in Reno, Nevada

Affiliate Background and Justification


The Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) seeks to become an affiliate refugee
resettlement agency of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) as part of the
Reception and Placement (R&P) Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016.
NNIC was established as a federally recognized non-profit organization 501(c)3 in 1980 by
volunteers. The organization hired its first professional staff in 1998 with a seed grant from the
City of Reno. Since that time, NNIC has broadened its services significantly, and now hosts
approximately 500 visitors in a dozen different programs through the Department of State and
USAID. The agency also manages a language bank offering translation and interpretation services
in over 30 languages to local courts, businesses, and government agencies. NNIC is a member of
the Global Ties and World Affairs Councils networks, and is supported by a network of home hosts
and volunteers. NNIC is affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno, and is located on the
Universitys campus. Through its connection with the University and diverse programming, NNIC
has well-established, deep connections with state, county, and community organizations.
Reno is a medium-size town in the high desert approximately two hours East of Sacramento and
seven hours north of Las Vegas. Its economy is emerging from a deep and impactful recession. A
group of young entrepreneurs, including the mayor, are establishing an arts and culture scene,
creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and connecting the university with the business community.
Major companies, including Tesla, Panasonic, Switch, Apple, and Microsoft are making Reno
their home and demanding a vast change in the labor market, which used to cater to the gaming
and mining industries.
The contiguous cities of Reno and Sparks are the urban heart of the RenoCarson CityFernley
Combined Statistical Area (CSA). This CSA is comprised of four counties, two metropolitan areas
(Reno-Sparks and Carson City), and two micropolitan areas (Fernley and Gardnerville Ranchos).
As of the 2010 Decennial Census, the CSA had a population of 579,668. Reno-Sparks is now
larger than 425,000. It is a well-integrated multi-ethnic area. Relative to nationwide averages, a
larger share of the resident population is ethnically Hispanic (22%), with 9% of the population
Latin America-born.
Employment Services
The Reno-Sparks economy is well known for its hospitality and leisure sector, with seven large
casino-hotels employing 9,500-13,000 people. It is also home to the University of Nevada, the
single largest employer in the county (after the school district), employing over 4,500 Full Time
Equivalents (FTEs). The Truckee Meadows Community College also employs 1,250 educators
and staff. Two major hospitals (Renown and St Marys) and other large healthcare providers in the
areas employ over 3,500 healthcare professionals, technicians, and staff. The location four hours
by highway to San Francisco, and seven hours to Salt Lake City is also logistics hub, hosting
many warehousing and fulfillment establishments including UPS (1,000 employees) and

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Amazon.com (650 employees). Tesla is slated to open its Gigafactory outside of Sparks in 2017.
By 2020, the Gigafactory will be at full capacity, employing 6,500 FTEs and producing more
lithium ion batteries annually (for electric cars, for example) than were produced worldwide in
2013.
Reno-Sparks is a growing economy, with the largest share of projected employment growth in the
construction sector (4,397 projected openings through 2016). An estimated total of 16,829 full
time jobs are projected to open in the Reno-Sparks metro area between 2014 and 2016. There are
entry-level, skilled, and professional employment opportunities in most industries. The hotel and
casino subsector continues to be a major employer, with projected openings of 3,143 full-time jobs
in the leisure and hospitality sector. In addition, the Nevada Department of Employment, Training
and Rehabilitation also projects 2,872 openings in the professional and business services sector;
2,293 openings in the education and health service sector; 1,896 openings in the trade, transport
and utilities sector; and 1,661 in the manufacturing sector.
By occupation type, the largest number of opportunities in the Reno-Sparks, prior to the opening
of the Tesla factory, are expected to be in office and administrative support occupations, food
preparation and serving, sales, transport, construction, healthcare practitioners and technicians,
managers, production occupations, personal care and service providers, education and library
occupations, business and finance, repair and maintenance technicians, and computer and
mathematical occupations. These are just 14 of the top 20 growing occupation categories.
As a result of the volatile economic history of the state, Reno offers a wide array of employment
assistance services through city, state, and federal programs. The Sierra Nevada Job Corps is nocost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of
Labor that provides career technical and academic training. The Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center,
located in Reno, provides young people with skills they need to become employable and
independent, and places participants in meaningful jobs or further education. Nevada JobConnect,
administered by the Nevada State Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation,
provides one-stop employment assistance, including assessment, vocational training, job search,
and placement assistance. ProNet, funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and
administered by Nevadaworks, provides career counseling, search, and training free of charge.
NNIC will work closely with these providers to ensure that refugees have ample access to
employment services.
Education
Refugees have many opportunities to pursue education in Reno. Northern Nevada Literacy Council
offers three levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for foreign-born adults. Classes
are free, and available at various times. Evening classes are available for those who are working
during the day. The University of Nevada, Reno also offers both individuals and group ESL, and
has a large number of volunteer tutors.
The Nevada System of Higher Education governs all public institutions of higher education in the
state of Nevada. The University of Nevada, Reno is a Tier One, high-quality university with a
current enrollment of 21,000 students. Several local community colleges also offer a broad array

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of vocational programs. Truckee Meadows Community College offers many options, including
EMT, health care provision, logistics, and most recently, assistance to the growing renewable
energy sector.
Housing
Average apartment rental prices in Reno are very affordable, and well maintained units are readily
available. NNIC has worked with Board members and University contacts to build relationships
with area property managers. Housing will be sought primarily (but not exclusively) in areas where
the school district has established ESL for newcomer and intake centers. Two middle schools and
three high schools are currently designated to assist immigrant children to more easily phase into
regular classes. The Reno Housing Authority (RHA) provides affordable housing to clients in
seven different locations in Reno and Sparks. Public housing units are available for both singles
and families and the majority are handicapped accessible.
Resettlement Plan
Service

Provider

Airport

Employment
Referrals

ESL

Childcare

USCRI Proposal for PRM-USRAP-16-001

The Reno Tahoe International Airport services the Northern


Nevada area
Nevada JobConnect provides a variety of employment services
ProNet provides career transition services
Sierra Nevada Job Corps provides training and employment
placements for individuals age 16 to 24
The Northern Nevada Literacy Council offers free six week ESL
courses for various levels
University of Nevada Intensive English Language Center offers
both regular and individualized courses
ESL In-Home offers small group volunteer ESL services
Catholic Charities offers ESL classes
NNIC volunteers will provide onsite ESL classes for R&P clients
Provisions for childcare are frequently combined with
educational, medical and general family support programs: i.e.
Head Start, Boys & Girls Clubs and after school. Sierra Kids is
an enrichment program offered before and after school by the
City of Reno at 19 primary schools in the district
Early learning and childcare are available for low-income
families at the E.L. Wiegand Youth Center
There are 5 Head Start programs operated by the Community
Service Agency of Reno
Catholic Charities also provides free and low-cost childcare

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Service

Provider

Healthcare

USCRI Proposal for PRM-USRAP-16-001

Reno has 3 hospitals providing basic and specialty care, including


numerous satellite clinics in area neighborhoods
The University of Nevada School of Medicine partners with the
hospitals and also provides access to treatment through such
specialized programs as geriatric medicine, nutrition and
wellness, and behavioral services
2 psychiatric hospitals provide residential treatment: one adult
and one juvenile
Treatment for behavior health services is available through State
Health programs and Childrens Behavior Services
The Washoe County Health Department provides health
screenings and some basic services
Many community-based clinics are available at no or low cost. A
sample of those clinics include:
ACCEPT: provides care with HIV, substance abuse, and mental
health issues
AWAKEN: provides care with sexual abuse, trafficking, drug
counseling, and mental health
BEHAVORIAL HEALTH AT RENOWN: provides care with
substance abuse and mental health
CARE CHEST OF SIERRA: provides medical care, medicine,
and assistance with medical equipment
CENTRAL RENO FAMILY RESOURCE: provides medical,
dental, and mental health services
COMMUNITY HEALTH ALLIANCE: dental and general health
care services (formerly HAWC)
NEVADA CHECK UP: provides general health care and dental
services
NORTHERN NV. HOPES: full range of medical & wellness
services including primary care, chronic disease management,
womens health services, behavior health counseling, nutrition,
pharmacy, social services, health education and outreach
ST. MARYS LOW COST CLINIC: general health care,
including womens health, cardiovascular care, and pediatrics
TRUCKEE MEADOWS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DENTAL:
dental nutritional counselling, oral cancer screenings, and general
dental care
LIONS CLUB: vision services

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Service

Provider

Orientation

Transportation

Additional
Community
Resources

Integration and
Adjustment

In-house caseworker will conduct intake, create a service plan,


and provide orientation for clients
Community members and volunteers will assist with additional
orientation
Caseworker will provide additional resources and assist clients
with accessing ongoing services
NNIC owns two vans and a 20-passenger bus and will be able to
assist refugees with transportation to appointments during the
R&P period
The Reno Transportation Commission (RTC) operates a public
bus system to most areas within city limits. The average bus fare
is $1.50
A smaller area of Reno is also served by an RTC bus for $0.25
Salvation Army Reno can provide clothing vouchers, diapers,
food, and furniture
Catholic Charities operates a thrift shop, soup kitchen, and food
pantry while providing emergency assistance, childcare and
immigration assistance
The Northern Nevada Literacy Council offers free citizenship
classes
Catholic Charities provides immigration assistance

Staffing
NNIC staff currently include the Executive Director, a Finance and Grants Manager, three Program
Managers, and two drivers, as well as part-time students and interns. NNIC will hire a full-time
R&P caseworker and case aide for the first year of operating as a refugee resettlement agency.
NNICs Executive Director will directly supervise the caseworker. Additional services, including
in-house ESL, will be provided by volunteers and interns. The Executive Director reports to the
board of directors.
Existing Ethnic Communities
Renos population has diversified significantly in recent years. The largest group of immigrants in
Northern Nevada hails from Mexico and Central America (27%). Additional immigrants are from
North Africa and the Middle East, Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam,
the Philippines and Thailand.
Coordination with State and Local Officials
NNIC has a long history of collaborating with local, county and state officials through its public
diplomacy, language services, and educational outreach programs. NNIC serves as the link for

USCRI Proposal for PRM-USRAP-16-001

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community members interested in international affairs and programs, and assists visitors and
newcomers to the community. The City of Reno Mayor, Hillary Schieve, as well as the City
Managers Office, are supportive of NNICs efforts to establish a refugee resettlement program.
NNIC has also consulted with the Washoe County School District, the Washoe County Health
Department, and other local service providers, and all have enthusiastically supported NNICs
application to become a resettlement affiliate. NNIC also has the full support of the University of
Nevada, Reno.
NNICs Executive Director, Dr. Carina Black, has also been in regular communication with the
Nevada State Refugee Coordinator and State Refugee Health Coordinator, Carisa Lopez-Ramirez,
who is also the Director of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. Ms. Lopez-Ramirez invited Dr.
Black to Las Vegas November 11 and 12, 2015 to participate in meetings and trainings, to help
prepare for NNICs application to participate in the R&P program.
Training
USCRI headquarters staff will provide comprehensive support and training on implementation of
an R&P program and the R&P Cooperative Agreement. R&P Topics include: basic need support,
pre-arrival preparation, reception, community orientation, health orientation and health screenings,
resettlement plans and employment referrals, documentation and case file management, home
visits, and reporting. USCRI headquarters staff will closely monitor the set-up and provision of
NNICs resettlement services and will provide ongoing training and technical assistance.
Headquarters staff will conduct an onsite technical assistance visit, and NNICs Executive Director
will also attend training at USCRI headquarters. All NNIC staff working on the R&P program will
also complete USCRIs online R&P certification program. USCRI Program Officers will conduct
rigorous training via webinars covering a wide array of R&P related topics, ranging from case file
documentation requirements, medical case and minor case management, public benefits, and
housing to domestic violence, compassion fatigue, and boundaries for case managers.
NNIC will also work with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, which has been
operating a successful R&P program for many years and manages the state of Nevada Wilson Fish
program. NNICs Executive Director has already completed a two-day training with Catholic
Charities of Southern Nevada to learn more about resettlement services. Newly hired NNIC staff
will have the opportunity to shadow Catholic Charities resettlement staff in Las Vegas, with the
support of the State Refugee Coordinator.
Implementation Timeline
NNIC will begin program implementation, recruitment, and training immediately upon approval
by the Department of State, and anticipates accepting its first refugee arrivals in June or July of
2016.
Letters of Support

University of Nevada, Office of the President


Northern Nevada Muslim Center

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Washoe County School District ESL Center


Northern Nevada Literacy Council
Catholic Community Services
Northern Nevada International Center Board President

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Washoe County School District


Department of English Language Learner & World Languages
535 E. Plumb Lane Reno, NV 89502 Phone (775) 333-6090
Janeen A. Kelly, Director; Maija Talso, Secondary Program Consultant/Coach; Laurie Campbell & Stephanie Cobin, Elementary Program Consultant/Coach; Edith Gaw, GLAD/TWI
Trainer/Coach; Amy Haycock, Title I GLAD Trainer/Coach; Trudy Nunn, Assessment/Compliance Coordinator; Claudia Amaya, Social Worker; Ryan Smith, WL Coordinator; Maria Ruiz,
Administrative Assistant; Angel Salas, Program Technician; Megan Brown, Data Specialist; Keiry Segura, Clerk; Christina Ruiz, & Maria Chavez, Language Proficiency Assessment
Facilitator; Margarita Griggs, Translation Specialist

November 12, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:


I am the Director for the Department of English Language Learners and World Languages for
Washoe County School District located in Reno, Nevada, U.S.A. Carina Black has asked me to
write a letter of support for the placement and resettlement of refugees to our area.
It is a privilege to write a letter in support for their application to the US Committee for
Refugees and Immigrants. Our district serves over 10,700 second language learners and
approximately three hundred of our students are new to our country. We have schools that
receive students that are new to our country and have developed courses to meet their needs
in learning a new language, being assimilated into our culture, and immersion into academics.
We look forward to welcoming students that arrive through the placement and resettlement
programs that are established through this partnership. Please feel free to reach out to me for
any additional support or clarification.
Sincerely,
Janeen A. Kelly
Washoe County School District
Director, Department ELL/WL
jkelly@washoeschools.net

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