Matching Grant Program
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Youth Co-Op’s Matching Grant Program helps refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian humanitarian parolees and certified victims of trafficking achieve early self-sufficiency without accessing public cash benefits. This is accomplished through a combination of financial support, intensive job search activities, English language training and other assistance provided to eligible clients.
The Matching Grant program requires a "match" from local communities and employers in volunteer time, in-kind donations and cash to match the federal government’s contribution. Every dollar received in cash, in-kind donation or volunteer time generates two dollars in federal matching resources. These resources are then used to provide newly arrived program participants with clothing, food, housing or any other needs newcomers may have during 120 – 180 days upon arrival in the U.S.
Matching Grant services are available for newly arrived refugees between the ages of 18 and 64 who have demonstrated a willingness to work. Youth Co-Op staff provide the following services to eligible program participants:
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Financial Assistance during first 120 days in the U.S.;
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Cultural Orientation
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Assistance with documents, such as Social Security Card, Employment Authorization or Driver’s License;
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Transportation Assistance
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Assistance with employment that includes job search and job placement, help with applications, resumes, and interviews;
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Referrals to English as a Second Language Classes;
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Follow-up after job placement and job upgrade when needed
Youth Co-Op, Inc. operates the largest Matching Grant Program in the United States. It serves over 2,500 individuals annually of which 92% are self-sufficient 180 days after enrolment. This is a significant factor in the program’s ability to achieve the national-level performance that makes it one of ORR’s most successful and widely lauded programs.
Matching Grant Services are available at Youth Co-Op’s Miami-Dade and Broward sites. For address and directions to Matching Grant service locations click here.
To learn more about Youth Co-Op’s Matching Grant Program, or if you are an employer wishing to hire a refugee, please contacts us at refugees@ycoop.org or (305) 643-6730.
Click here if you wish to volunteer or contribute to Matching Grant Program.