FAQs

Yes! The US refugee resettlement program is designed to put refugees on the track to self-sufficiency and financial independence. They are allowed to work from the day they arrive and as soon as they receive their Social Security Card (about 1-3 weeks after arrival), they may start applying for jobs.

While we have relationships with the major resettlement agencies and refugee service programs in Dallas, our most reliable source of recruitment is word of mouth. Friends tell friends and neighbors about us and they come apply. Our office is also strategically located in a refugee community center in one of the most densely-populated refugee resettlement neighborhoods in the U.S. Refugees come to the center for ESL classes, after school programs and resource distributions and discover us while they’re there.

We require basic English and sewing skills to qualify for the program.

When someone doesn’t have the skills to qualify, we refer them to ESL and/or sewing classes with partner organizations in the neighborhood. This allows them to be cared for by those organizations while they learn the basics.

During interviews, candidates complete language and sewing assessments in addition to a typical conversation-style interview.

We typically have 10-15 Associates at a time in varying stages of the program. We stagger graduation dates to allow the opportunity for more veteran Associates to take on leadership roles with new Associates.

Yes. While they are the beneficiaries of our training services, they are paid for all of their work, including their time in personal development programs.

For more information about Associate hiring status, please visit our Employment section.

We develop individual career plans for each graduate, according to their personal goals. Some begin school full time to earn a degree in a different field. Some start their own businesses. Some go to work as seamstresses for local designers. A few of them join our staff at VTC. If funding is needed to start their new path, we often help them identify and access funds. We also continue as advisors and friends to our alumni and support them as they transition into the “real world.”

All Associates know some English before they start the program. If they have trouble understanding something, we allow them to communicate with a co-worker for translation, if there is someone available who speaks their native language. English immersion tends to fast-track their English acquisition and helps to serve as common ground between all of the various cultures and languages.

Yes! All of our English teachers are volunteers. Our volunteer terms run in the spring, summer and fall. To see if there is availability, please visit our Volunteer Page for more information.

Absolutely! If English is your first language (or even if it’s your second and you’re fluent), then you’re capable of volunteering. We provide the curriculum. You just show up at your assigned time and help the ladies.

Yes! We always need help in the shop with a variety of needs. Please see our Volunteer Page for more information.

We’d love to connect you! To see if there is availability, please visit our Volunteer Page for more information.

Most volunteer opportunities are in Dallas and during the day. Some (such as Pen Pals) can be done from out of town. Please see our volunteer page  for more information.

We are always on the lookout for skills and classes that can help meet the needs of our Associates. We focus our training on sewing, English, finance and technology. If you have a skill in these areas that might be helpful for our Associates, please email info@vickerytrading.org.

We agree. Our program is designed to provide part-time work for supplemental income. It cannot and is not intended to fully financially support a family. The training received in VTC’s Associate Training Program aims to position graduates to earn much more income after they graduate than before they entered the program. The Training Program is simply a step along the long journey to resettlement and assimilation.

We’d love to, but we feel it is not in the best interest of the Associates to set the expectation that they will earn more than their new trade will potentially pay.

It varies from product to product, but generally, 15-20% of the cost of the garment goes back to the Associate in wages. This is compared to 0.02-0.05% of the cost of garments sold in most large retailers.

Refugees come from all parts of the world, and that changes depending on the location of current world crises. Currently, most refugees come from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Some cities will have a higher concentration from certain countries. For example, Dallas is home to many Burmese, Congolese, Afghan and Iraqi refugees.

Refugees need a friend to help them learn the system, take them to the multiple government offices and appointments they have after arrival, help learning the grocery store, library and public transportation. They need someone to practice English with them and most of all, a friend. Resettlement is traumatic and isolating and a friendly smile from someone who is willing to take the time hear their story and help them through the transition can be more impactful than any monetary gift.

Yes! The US refugee resettlement program is designed to put refugees on the track to self-sufficiency and financial independence. They are allowed to work from the day they arrive and as soon as they receive their Social Security Card (about 1-3 weeks after arrival), they may start applying for jobs.

The refugee ceiling is set by the President of the United States. It is more of a goal and is hardly ever reached. There are currently more refugees in the world than ever before and US ceiling is the lowest it’s ever been. (link to ceilings over past 20 years)

Yes. The US Refugee Resettlement is currently the most rigorous travel screening in the world. To date, no terror-related activities in the US have been performed by refugees. (Yes, that’s ZERO)

Yes, refugees pay taxes just like any other legal, documented worker in the US.

While there are millions of refugees that claim the Islamic faith, the majority of refugees in the world are Christian.

The hijab (headscarf) is a symbol of modesty in the Islamic faith.

Any US employer can hire a refugee as long as that refugee has their I-94 and a Social Security Number

Great! Look for refugee resettlement agencies or refugee-focused organizations in your area. A good place to start might be the International Rescue Committee (irc.org)

The first step is to get involved with local refugee organizations. You can also contact your local and state representatives to educate yourself and advocate for refugee-friendly policies. *Note: These policies are different than immigration policies concerning illegal border crossings in the Southern United States.