RIAN IMMIGRANT CENTER UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19 March 13, 2020 In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Rian Immigrant Center is announcing remote work plans, and is suspending most of its in-person operations (clinics, classes, & consultations). The Center will be closed and will provide telephone and remote support until further notice. We will continually monitor the public health situation, and will make further announcements as appropriate. This pandemic is a historic occurrence in our lifetimes and we have a moral imperative to help slow the spread of infection. The Centers for Disease Control has communicated that the best way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is to limit group gatherings and minimize direct contact. This voluntary closure is the most responsible move at this time
Our staff will continue supporting immigrant families as best we can under the circumstances. Specifically for each of our programs:
Immigration Legal Services - All legal clinics are postponed until further notice. We are suspending intake for new full representation and pro se cases until further notice. We are introducing a telephone consultation support line. Please see our website and social media for further updates.
Wellness Services - As appropriate, support services and consultations will happen by phone, email, or by a TeleHealth service. Our clinical social worker, Lea Vugic, offers free and confidential services to individuals, couples and families. Lea is available during regular business hours and has resources for 24/7 urgent and/or crisis services. Additionally, our case manager, Siobhan Kelly, can help connect immigrant families to the appropriate social services and resources available at this time. You can reach Lea at lvugic@riancenter.org and Siobhan at skelly@riancenter.org.
Education Services - We will switch to online learning as appropriate and provide remote support for our Career Advancement Program and preparation for Citizenship interviews.
International Learning Exchange Program - The J-1 Intern program is being suspended for new applications until further notice. Please see our website for more information.
Upcoming Community Events: Our annual Black and Green gathering and 'Outing the Past' seminar will be rescheduled, and our annual Solas Awards is still scheduled for October 2020.
Thank you for your patience and support at this time. This is a rapidly changing situation and we commit to regularly communicating with you.We extend our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and our good wishes to all who are in treatment.
