YMCA International Services Programs

Through the Refugee Scholarship Program, YMCA International Services has been able to provide funding for full-time higher education students who have a status as refugee, SIV, asylee, or VOT.

The application period for the 2020 scholarship is currently closed.

Interested students complete an application that details their academic and personal background; students also write two essays. Winners are determined by their need and accomplishments.

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.

Learn more
internationalrefugeeresettlement.pdf

Donations to Support Resettled Refugees
donation_flyer.pdf

REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

YMCA International Services’ Refugee Employment Department works with employers in the Houston area to fill staffing needs from our qualified pool of refugee candidates. Our goal is to assist new arrivals to our country quickly reach self-sufficiency.

More information for businesses/potential employers
internationalrefugeeemploymentbusinesses.pdf

More information for clients
internationalrefugeeemploymentclients.pdf

IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES

YMCA International Services provides counseling or representation to individuals seeking immigration assistance. Assistance is available for asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence, crime victims, or victims of human trafficking. Services also include family reunification visas, adjustment of status and naturalization applications. 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 $40 consultation fee.

Learn more
legal_clinic_flyer_small_with_map.pdf

Family Strengthening Classes and Case Management
family_strengthening-_final.pdf

STOP TX EVICTION INFORMATION

Do you live in Texas and can’t afford your rent? We are here to help. Stop TX Eviction provides the following:

All information and resources are available for free.
Get legal information about the eviction process and your rights.
Apply for legal assistance from organizations in your area that provide free legal services to qualifying tenants.
Find out about rental assistance and other resources in your area and how to apply.

Chat with a real lawyer about your questions regarding eviction.
Learn more here.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

ESL

  • YMCA International Services is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults. These classes are designed to help you take control of your future.

  • Classes offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening
  • All classes are offered online during COVID- 19 crisis.

  • Students must be at least 17 years old-
  • Registration and placement test
  • Classes begin Monday, May 18, 2020

ESL (en Español)

  • YMCA International Services ofrece clases gratuitas de inglés para adultos. Estas clases están diseñadas para ayudar le a tomar el control de su futuro.

  • YMCA ofrece clases en las manañas, tardes, y noches.
  • Todas las clases estan en linea durante la crisis de COVID-19.

  • Los estudiantes deben tener al menos 17 años de edad.
  • Matrícula y prueba de nivel
  • Las clases comienzan el lunes 18 de mayo.

Civics

  • YMCA International Services offers 10-week online Civics classes in English to help you prepare for the naturalization exam.
  • Classes are free for those who qualify.

  • Classes are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend.
  • All classes are offered online during the COVID-19 crisis.

  • Be an eligible victim of human trafficking, refugee, parolee
  • (Cuban/Haitian), asylee, or special immigrant visa (SIV) holder.
  • Able to present a copy of your green card or permanent resident card.
  • Classes begin Monday, May 18, 2020.

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.
  • Classes focus on academic reading and writing skills like the American essay style and plagiarism.
  • In addition, clients are introduced to the topics on the tests: math, science, and social studies.

Vocational ESL Course & Job Readiness Workshops

  • Classes cater to specific industries such as Construction, Hospitality and Tourism, and Transportation and Logistics.
  • Class exercises introduce students to English topics relevant to the specific industry and soft skills like understanding teamwork, and effective communication with supervisors.
  • Job Readiness workshops focus on resume building, job searches, interview preparation, and more.

Pre-HSE
Pre-HSE

  • YMCA International Services offers an eleven- week Pre-High School Equivalency course to help you earn a US high school diploma and take control of your future. Classes are free.
  • Prepare for the GED or Hi- SET exam with activities focused on English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Additional Academic Reading and Writing classes are available if needed.

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
  • All classes are offered online during COVID- 19 crisis.

  • Eligible victims of human trafficking, refugees, parolees (Cuban/ Haitian), asylees or special immigrant visa holders (SIV) who arrived in the US less than five years ago.
  • Speak, read, and write some English.

Cultural Orientation Workshops

  • The workshops acclimate newcomers to American culture and systems.
  • Topics include hygiene, transportation, and hurricane preparation.

Citizenship Preparation Course

  • Clients learn about the naturalization process, the N-400 application, interview process, and the exam which covers English and Civics topics.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

  • Students learn practical English through a computer-based curriculum.

Questions about our International Services at the Y?

Our center directors are here to help you.