Immigrants & Refugees
There are many organizations devoted to ensuring immigrant and refugee families and individuals find success and opportunity in Washington State! Explore national, state, and local resources below.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has consumer education information available in 13 languages, especially focused on avoiding fraud & scams on their page, Consumer Education in Multiple Languages.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has materials and information on helping multilingual communities and newcomers.
Included in their materials are glossaries of translated financial terms available in 5 languages.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers their Money Smart curriculum for multiple audiences (adults, youth, older adults, business-owners, etc.) including versions in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Braille and Large Print versions are available in the FDIC Catalog. The "How Money Smart Are You" interactive game is available in English and Spanish.
Hopelink Financial Foundations for Immigrants and Refugees facilitator guide contains four modules on financial topics that were chosen and created based on input from members of our community who identify as immigrants and refugees, as well as those who provide services and support to them. The materials are free to download and customizable so you can adjust them to meet the needs of those you serve.
Participant workbooks are also available to download in multiple languages (Arabic, Dari, English, Pashto, Spanish, Ukrainian) to address the growing need to increase access to linguistically appropriate financial education and financial coaching services.
Learn more in Curriculum Resources for Financial Educators.
The Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) is located within the State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD). Our goal is for refugee and immigrant families and individuals to succeed and thrive in Washington State.
See also: list of refugee resettlement agencies in Washington State.
Immigration Advocates Network maintains a national immigration legal services directory for resources available throughout Washington state.
Pew’s work examines the intersection of federal, state, and local immigration laws and policies and the potential impact on all levels of government.
Throughout the United States, people unfamiliar with our financial marketplace are more likely to fall prey to frauds and schemes. Low English proficiency can make it even harder to manage money safely and effectively on a day-to-day basis. To help, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Financial Education developed a series of guides that provide straightforward information about basic money decisions.
Funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Switchboard offers a library of learning resources, an online evidence database, a range of self-paced e-learning courses, regular live learning opportunities, and on-demand technical assistance for ORR-funded organizations.
IRC's Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) offers small loans tailored to meet the practical needs of working families and new Americans.
