Ivy Nastaran Elmi

Improving quality of life for refugees and immigrants in Utah. The Refugee and Immigrant Center - Asian Association of Utah (RIC-AAU) was founded in 1977 and is a private, non-profit, community-based organization located in Salt Lake City. Originally established to support Asian immigrants and refugees in their transition to life in the United States, the organization has expanded its resources and services over the past 37 years to assist refugees and immigrants from around the world. Today, we serve over 2,000 refugees, immigrants, and other community members each year. With over 60 staff members, our backgrounds cover 17 countries and over 30 languages. We are devoted to helping clients become more self-sufficient in their daily lives, and aim to reduce the barriers that refugees and immigrants face when adapting to life in the U.S. With the help of staff, volunteers, and community leaders, we are continually developing and expanding our services to meet the needs of our clients. We offer comprehensive services in one physical location, reducing transportation barriers and promoting access to a wide range of resources. Individuals and families in need can get case management services, employment help, counseling and mental health treatment, English classes, after-school tutoring and more. We also work closely with the Utah resettlement agencies, refugee communities, state protective services, and many others, to ensure a greater network of support for our clients. RIC-AAU is committed to walking with people on their journeys to self-sufficiency. We know that our work not only makes a difference in the lives of those we serve, but changes our whole community for the better.