Refugees and asylum-seekers in Palm Beach County can get help with furthering their education, acquiring English skills, and learning a trade thanks to Project Transition. The program offers a variety of classes in various fields that can lead to employment and career advancement.
“The beauty of the program is that you see the outcome. You see participants become productive employees and professionals,” said Noel Hernandez a director at Project Transition.
Among the classes and courses offered by the program:
• English instruction (basic to advanced level)
• Assistance with Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and General Equivalency Degree (GED) tests
• Computer training
The program also provides:
• Free bus passes
• Subsidized childcare
• Referrals to free vocational training
• Resume writing workshops
To be eligible for the program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
• At least 18 years of age
• Resident of Palm Beach County
• Employed or registered with an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) employment provider
The program serves individuals who fall into the following categories:
• Asylum-seekers of all nationalities (first five years)
• Refugees of all nationalities (first five years)
• Cuban/Haitian entrants (including asylum applicants)
• Amerasians
• Lawful permanent residents who adjusted from prior refugee, entrant, or asylum status
• Special immigrants from Iraq or Afghanistan
• Certified victims of human trafficking
To obtain services from Project Transition, individuals must bring the following documentation to their initial appointment:
• I-94 Form
• Asylum Letter of Order/Approval
• Asylum Application Receipt (for entrants and/or parolees from Cuba or Haiti only)
• Proof of Residency in Palm Beach County (Driver’s License or Florida ID)
Project Transition employs multilingual staff who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole, in order to best serve the community. The program is free, and their office can be reached at (561) 687-6381 for information and to register.