INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEW JERSEY

1 JOURNAL SQUARE PLAZA, JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY 07306

201/653-3888      FAX 201/963-0252

BRINGING THE WORLD OF NEW JERSEY TOGETHER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2005

NEWS

The International Institute of New Jersey is Awarded a $1.6M Grant to Treat Traumatized Immigrant and Refugee Children

--Initial Services to Focus in Jersey City and Clifton Public Schools--

Jersey City, NJ – The International Institute of New Jersey (IINJ) has been awarded $400,000 each year for the next four years from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  This money will serve traumatized refugee/immigrant children, who are enrolled in the Jersey City and Clifton Public Schools.  SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) chose nineteen Community Treatment and Services Centers to receive this funding out of over 150 applicants.

A key outcome of NCTSN activities is the creation of a body of literature, research and best practices that will enhance the efficacy of the treatment of child traumatic stress.   The IINJ, Jersey City Public Schools and Clifton Public Schools will be in the forefront of this groundbreaking activity.  Over the past two years, both Jersey City and Clifton school districts have received Refugee Child School Impact Grant monies in order to provide a range of holistic services to their refugee and immigrant students.

"Through a strong collaboration with IINJ, we have been able to serve students and families who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks.   This grant will allow us to maintain these services, as well as broaden our agenda of building cross-cultural competencies and support systems across the district,"Jersey City Associate Superintendent Dr. Nicholas Duva stated.  "With SAMHSA, we are assured that this important work will continue."

“Our Refugee School Based Program is a model of best practice,” said Bill Fellenberg, Executive Director of the IINJ, headquartered in Jersey City.  “By working with students, parents and teachers, we make sure that all key stakeholders are involved.  Our holistic methodology has been shown to be very effective.  The research part of this grant will enable us to document these successes."

Janina Kusielewicz, Supervisor of Basic Skills and Bilingual Education in Clifton said, “Clifton is among the most linguistically diverse districts in the state with a large immigrant population.  This grant will allow services for this growing group to continue."

Since 1918, the International Institute of New Jersey has been the gateway of resettlement for hundreds of thousands of immigrants arriving in America.  While the complexions, accents, and native languages may differ from their predecessors, today’s newcomers face challenges that are as compelling as ever. As it has for the past 87 years, the Institute opens a new world of possibilities for immigrants by providing legal assistance on immigration and citizenship matters, English language instruction, interpreting and translation services, employment training, and individual and family counseling. The Institute also provides an array of services to refugees and other groups of immigrants through its Anti-Trafficking Program, Refugee School-Based Services, and Survivors of Torture Program.  These quality services are provided by a highly trained staff of professionals and caseworkers that collectively speak more than 20 languages. Low cost and confidential, all programs aim to accelerate each new immigrant’s journey to self -sufficiency.

In addition to helping immigrants navigate the conventions of American life, the Institute conducts conferences and trainings that bring new information about immigrants to leaders in the corporate, health care, government, law enforcement, education, and social service sectors. The Institute advocates for public policies that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of immigrants and refugees. The Institute’s staff, board, and constituents believe that immigration is a key engine of the American economy and an inspiration for the American way of life.