PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

 
 
The Mission of AJAPO is to provide a continuum of care which empowers refugees and immigrants to become self-sufficient and integrated into the Greater Pittsburgh Community and Allegheny County.

 

AJAPO’s Programs are five-pronged and its mission goals are achieved through the following strategies:
 
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT

AJAPO is a Refugee Resettlement Agency providing reception and placement for refugees from any part of the world through its affiliation to (the national VOLAG) Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC). ECDC works directly with the Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration for its funding and resettlement program with affiliates. Refugees flee their home countries due to various types of persecutions and are admitted into the United States by the federal government in partnership with several agencies. AJAPO assists them to rebuild their lives and independence in our safer environment.

  • Establish Resettlement Plan with clients
  • Provide cultural orientation
  • Provide furnished housing, food and clothing
  • Make referrals for Govt. IDs, health screenings, ESL classes, welfare child care, etc.
  • Referral for jobs.
  • Children school enrolment
  • Interpretation Services
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

One of the common attributes of refugees coming to the United States is being hard working and ready to learn persons. Many come with the goal of being economically self-sufficient as quickly as possible after arrival through employment. They want to take responsibility for their families rather than depend on government benefits or individual handouts. As populations with government's approved eligibility to work anywhere in the United States, they take credible pride in their jobs and do not take their responsibilities lightly.

AJAPO's employment services assists refugees to accomplish these aspirations by connecting refugees to employers in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

  • Develop Employability plan
  • Interview skills, appropriate hygiene
  • Job retention services
  • Job Placement
  • Follow up with employers
  • Interpretation Services
FAMILY COHESION & EMPOWERMENT

Direct service programming tailored to empower refugees and immigrant families as they integrate into our Pittsburgh communities. Provides families and individuals with coping skills, service coordination and intensive case management.

  • Service Coordination & Case Management
  • Leadership & Life Skills, Acculturation, Community Education
  • Coordination of school & child developmental services
  • Parenting, Advocacy, Conflict Resolution
  • Micro Enterprise & Vocational Training
IMMIGRATION SERVICES

AJAPO is officially recognized and accredited by the Department of Justice to provide legal immigration services to clients. 

  • Adjustment of Status (green card)
  • Citizenship
  • Other family-based immigration services
  • Status Inquiries
  • Consular Processing
  • Interpretation Services
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Youth Development Program which provides - over several years - refugee/immigrant children and youth with skills to adapt to their environment and develop habits/characters for educational and life success.

  • STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Project
  • Education support
  • Leadership training
  • Financial literacy, career mentoring
  • Camp to campus projects

 

AJAPO PROVIDES CULTURALLY SENSITIVE INTERPRETATION SERVICES FOR ALL ITS PROGRAMS.