YMCA International Services

Program Overview

YMCA International Services is a unique center of the YMCA of Greater Houston that delivers client-centered programs to refugees, immigrants and other vulnerable populations to advance their economic independence, social integration and civic participation. The Y helps newcomers restore hope, build stability, create opportunity and change futures. YMCA International Services is continuously recognized as a leader in the Houston immigrant community.

Please note that programs are limited to client eligibility.

Education Services

YMCA International Services also offers free, in-person and virtual education programs to help clients improve their English, study for and pass their high school equivalency exams, prepare for citizenship, and more generally improve their lives.

Citizenship Preparation Course

Clients learn about the naturalization process, the citizenship application, interview process, and the exam which covers English and Civics topics.

Pre-High School Equivalency Course

Clients study for a high school equivalency exam (GED or Hi-SET) using a curriculum that caters to non-native English speakers.

Cultural Orientation

Workshops acclimate newcomers to American culture and systems. Topics could include i.e. hygiene, transportation, and hurricane preparation.

Digital Literacy Courses

Basic Computer skills, Zoom, Internet Safety, Smart Phones and more.

Refugee School Impact Program (RSI)

Refugee families receive orientations about the Houston school system and case management; vaccines, uniforms, and supplies are also available.

Services to Older Refugees (SOR)

Clients over 60 enjoy quality time together playing games, learning about resources, and preparing for citizenship.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

Students learn practical English on topics like going to the doctor or paying bills.

Refugee Resettlement

YMCA International's Refugee Resettlement program assists refugees who are forcibly displaced from their native countries due to persecution based on their race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion or their belonging to a particular social group. The resettlement program provides housing, food, basic supplies and temporary financial services in order to help refugees begin their new lives in the United States.

Employment Services

The Employment Services department offers free employment-related services to clients to assist them in becoming self-sufficient in their new country. Employment services include: Referrals to English classes, Job readiness workshops, One-on-one interview coaching, Job search and placement, Transportation to job interviews and work orientations, Financial assistance to purchase work clothes or protective gear, Childcare payments.

The program also offers Career Enhancement Services to refugees interested in starting or advancing their professional careers. The program helps refugees pay for tuition or exam fees and other costs associated with acquiring a new professional skill and can also pay to recertify their foreign professional credentials in the USA. Once training or recertification is completed, employment staff members assist clients to obtain employment related to their training or certification.

Social Adjustment Services

Social Adjustment Services (SAS) provides case management that address the broader needs of clients beyond employment and English Language Instruction (ELI) in order for refugees to successfully integrate into the community. SAS Services include hands-on assistance with access to benefits, healthcare systems, community resources, cultural orientation, crisis intervention, and advocacy.

Preferred Communities Program

The Preferred Communities Program (PC) provides intensive medical case management to highly vulnerable clients. PC Services are similar to Social Adjustment Services with additional services that include hands-on assistance with SSI, medication management, accompaniment to medical appointments, health literacy education, and advocacy.

Refugee Youth Mentoring Program

Participants in this program are matched with a trained volunteer mentor who helps them set and develop a plan to reach their educational and vocational goals while supporting positive civic, social and family engagement.

Mentees participate in mentoring sessions and workshops for up to 1 year. Typical sessions may involve practicing English speaking, reading, and writing skills, developing job readiness skills, providing opportunities to just relax and have fun, developing youth's creative talents, participating in service projects, and developing social and life skills, with a particular focus on adapting to American culture.

Citizenship Preparation Course and Application Filing

Clients learn about the naturalization process, the citizenship application, interview process, and the exam which covers English and Civics topics. Through immigration legal services, clients can then apply for citizenship. All clients with a green card are welcome to register.

Food Pantry

Community members in need of groceries, can drop in our Food Pantry. The distribution schedule varies depending on need.

The Trafficked Persons Assistance Program (TPAP)

The Trafficked Persons Assistance Program works to identify and assist foreign and domestic victims of human trafficking. We seek to improve the quality of life for victims of human trafficking through culturally competent case management services. In addition to providing direct client services, the program raises awareness in the community through education and outreach.

Immigration Legal Services

YMCA International Services provides counseling or representation to individuals seeking immigration assistance for family reunification visas, adjustment of status and naturalization applications. Assistance is available for asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence, crime victims, or victims of human trafficking. On our “Walk-in-Wednesdays," individuals can discuss their immigration case with an Immigration Attorney, BIA Accredited Representative or an Immigration Case Manager during the hours of 9am-3pm. Some consultations may require a consultation fee.

Cost Info