International Institute of Akron, Inc.

207 EAST TALLMADGE AVE ● AKRON, OH 44310-3298 ● TEL 330-376-5106 ● FAX 330-376-0133 ● E-MAIL iiakron@lek.net

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Matching Grant Program

The Matching Grant Program is:

• A public-privately funded program through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
• A program that provides an alternative approach to state-administered resettlement assistance
• An employment program

What is the primary goal of the MG program?

The primary goal of the MG program is to help refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian parolees and victims of trafficking attain Family Economic Self-Sufficiency within four months after the date of eligibility for the program without accessing public cash assistance.

What does Economic Self-Sufficiency mean?

No longer receiving cash assistance payments from the Matching Grant or public assistance programs due to earnings from employment. Cases and individuals receiving Food Stamps, Medicaid, etc., without cash payments other than the weekly allowance, are considered self-sufficient.

Who is Eligible for the MG Program?

• Refugees
• Asylees
• Amerasians
• Cuban and Haitian Parolees
• Victims of trafficking

At least one member of the family unit must be deemed employable for the case to be enrolled into the MG program and all other members must otherwise be eligible (to be eligible for MG assistance, applicants must provide evidence of their immigration status).

When is the Date of Eligibility for the MG Services?

Date of eligibility is counted from:

• The date of arrival into the USA for refugees, Burmese asylees and Amerasians,
• The date an individual becomes a Cuban/ Haitian entrant,
• The date of the final grant of asylum for asylees.
• The date received eligibility letters for services from DHHS for Victims of Trafficking.

Enrollment into the MG program must be within 31days of the date of the admission (refugees or Burmese) or final grant of asylum (asylees).

What Services are provided in the MG Program?

• Case Management - commences immediately upon enrollment
• Employment Services - starting upon enrollment in the MG program
• Maintenance Assistance and Cash Allowance (food or food subsidies, suitable housing, transportation assistance, etc., for the first 120 days
• Administration to ensure planned & timely services
• Orientation Services - for MG clients that arrive without the benefit of R&P services (referral to health screening, enrollment of children in school, public transportation, etc)

Services/Components for which Agencies may use International Institute of Akron are:

• English Language Training (ELT)
• Health and Medical Services
• Employment Training or Recertification (Computer classes for refugees available on basic computer use, MS Windows, Internet and e-mail; Financial literacy classes available on electronic banking, savings, types of accounts, loans)
• Social Adjustment Services (counseling, interpretation, acculturation programs, etc.)
• Support Services - e.g childcare and addressing transportation problems that are barrier to self-sufficiency

Return to the Refugee Resettlement homepage.