Over 70% of refugees are women. Many have been widowed or have lost children to violence, and most have been oppressed and victimized in their home countries. Women refugees often struggle with chronic depression and anxiety, making it difficult for them to integrate successfully into a new society.

The Women’s Program was founded to meet the needs of women refugees. Its overall purpose is to help women become self-sufficient while also building community in their new home of Chicago. From decreasing social isolation and facilitating clients’ achievement, to increasing English language skills and enhancing employability, RefugeeOne works in partnership with women to help empower their integration into mainstream US culture with respect to their traditions, culture and religious beliefs.

Since its inception, the Women’s Program has listened closely to the needs of project beneficiaries, and incorporated these needs into our program design. As a result, this program has grown exponentially in direct response to their concerns and requests. The Program is free of charge.

The Women’s Program includes five components:

Mentorship and Befriending:

Individualized, one-on-one mentorship is invaluable. Volunteers and clients are matched and get together weekly to practice English, cook, talk or help solve daily dilemmas. The connection achieved in these relationships is key to helping women find more grounding in their new society.

English Classes:

Specially designed for pre-literate and semi-literate refugee and immigrant women, English classes are offered at two sites in Albany Park and Rogers Park. Childcare is provided on-site.

Educational Workshops:

Monthly women’s groups are held for each ethnic group. The goal of the group is to create a safe environment in which women can discuss their problems, fears, joys, creating a support system to help them through the trials of their new lives. Various speakers are brought in to discuss important topics, and the ladies are taken on field trips to show them around the city.

Craft Classes:

Teaching sewing and entrepreneurial skills in an interactive, hands-on forum, twice weekly – sewing classes are fun and allow women to gain employable skill sets. Knitting classes are held once a week. Art, jewelry making and yoga classes have been enjoyed by many ladies.

Additional Programs:

The Women’s Program coordinates additional programs to support the successful resettlement of our refugee clients. A pregnancy support group meets bi-monthly. Cooking classes are offered once a month. A new gardening program has recently started, with the hope of offering our clients the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and create a refugee urban farm. Special events such as International Women’s Day and Women’s Health Week are organized annually. A pilot mentorship program is being facilitated, with the goals of training clients to serve their communities as mentors. Driver’s Education classes were offered in conjunction with the Pan African Association. Depending on the needs of the community served, programs are flexible and new offerings are constantly being evaluated.

For more information about the Women’s Program, contact:

p: (773) 989-5647 | e: info@refugeeone.org