In October 2022, REC officially merged as a program of ILC.
As a program of Immigrant Legal Center, we provide holistic and culturally effective refugee resettlement services that empower newcomers to thrive in their new lives. Through this merger, we bring together a wealth of expertise, experience, and resources that allow our staff to provide a holistic blend of high-quality services to our newest friend and neighbors in Nebraska.
10/10/2023
Join us in congratulating Jenna Ripke for five years on the ILC + REC Team! Jenna is a lead attorney for our Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Team (SIJS), overseeing attorneys and legal staff representing abused, abandoned, and neglected immigrant children. She is based in our Lincoln office, and we are excited to celebrate her fifth anniversary. Congrats, Jenna!
10/05/2023
Please join us in welcoming Kelly Shanahan to the ILC + REC Team! Kelly is an attorney on our asylum team based in our Lincoln office. As a member of the asylum team, she represents immigrants seeking protection from persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. She graduated with high distinction from both the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Nebraska College of Law. Welcome, Kelly! We are thrilled to have you join our team!
10/04/2023
24 of our ILC + REC staff are now certified in Mental Health First Aid! Taught by our very own Director of Social Work, Monica Meier, this course empowers us to identify and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing mental health or substance use problems or experiencing a crisis. We're proud of our team and eager to train more staff members in the coming months. Remember: Help is just a call away. Dial 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support. 💚
10/03/2023
We had a wonderful morning hosting medical students and faculty from the University of Nebraska Medical Center! Students heard from ILC + REC's Legal Director Anna Deal, Director of Refugee Services Tanya DeWolf, and Afghan Family Assistance Case Manager Kubra Haidari about health disparities among immigrants and refugees. Immigration status is a critical social determinant of health. Thank you, UNMC for educating the next generation of physicians about immigrants and refugees in our community!
10/02/2023
Please join us in congratulating Marcos Fregoso on his one-year anniversary at ILC + REC! Marcos is a social worker in our Grand Island office, working directly with immigrant children and their families. He recently began a Master of Social Work program to continue his education and strengthen his service to his clients. We are thrilled to have him as a member of our team. Congrats, Marcos!
09/27/2023
Join us in congratulating Mariana Gurrola on her second anniversary with ILC + REC! As a DOJ Accredited Representative based in our Scottsbluff office, Mariana is a member of our SIJ team. Her invaluable work supports immigrant children who have endured abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Congratulations, Mariana! Thank you for all you do for ILC + REC and the communities we serve.
09/26/2023
We are thrilled to welcome Tetiana Zhuk to the ILC + REC Team! Tetiana is a case manager with our Ukrainian Family Assistance Program, working to support Ukrainian families seeking refuge in the United States. Welcome, Tetiana!
09/25/2023
Congratulations to Anna Deal, our Legal Director at ILC + REC, for her dedicated eight years of service! Anna has been instrumental in shaping and executing our legal strategy and operations to ensure the highest quality representation for our clients. Since joining ILC in 2015, she has tirelessly championed the rights of vulnerable unaccompanied children and victims of intrafamily violence. Anna, your commitment and passion are remarkable; we're honored and thrilled to have you on our team!
09/25/2023
Wishing all who celebrate an easy fast and a meaningful Yom Kippur!
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. It's a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
09/22/2023
🍔🚚 Join us in just ONE WEEK for the Food Truck World Tour! 🌮🎶
Get your tickets NOW and indulge in Omaha's top food trucks while grooving to amazing music! 🎉
Even better, your ticket purchase supports immigrants and refugees in our community. ❤️
Don't miss out! Grab your tickets today at www.immigrantlc.org/foodtruck and be part of something deliciously meaningful! 🌟
When: Friday, September 29 | Doors open at 6:30pm
Where: The Slowdown | 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE
09/20/2023
🎉 Join us in celebrating Jordan Malcolm's 1st year at ILC + REC! 🥳
Jordan, one of our amazing legal assistants, has been a vital part of our legal services team, working closely with our legal directors. In addition, her fluency in Spanish has been invaluable, enabling her to provide crucial interpretation services to our clients.
We're thrilled to have you on our team, Jordan! Congratulations on this milestone! 🌟
09/19/2023
We are 10 days out from Food Truck World Tour and wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to some of our INCREDIBLE sponsors! Thank you to our World Traveler, Million Miler, and Pathfinder Sponsors! There is still time to get your tickets to the event at www.immigrantlc.org/foodtruck!
When: Friday, September 29, 2023
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Slowdown Omaha
Featuring Omaha's favorite food trucks, drinks, and music from QUITAPENAS!
Thank you, Omaha Steaks, Annette & Paul Smith, Polina & Bob Schlott, Immigration Law & Justice Network, Kiewit, Mulhall's, Google Marlina & Dusty Davidson, Susan & Mike Lebens, and Margaret & Mike McMeekin!
The Refugee Empowerment Center (REC) is a non-profit that assists refugees who are transitioning from their own culture to American life. We have been serving the Omaha community for over 20 years and we focus on helping Nebraska newcomers live and work productively, further their education, and achieve a better life for themselves and their children.
Our mission is to resettle and empower refugees to become self-sufficient through direct services and educational programs. We envisions a world where communities welcome all refugees and immigrants. We see ourselves as catalysts in the work of building welcoming communities. We aim to build relationships and a cross-cultural understanding between the Omaha and refugee communities.
Our educational programs and direct services (see below) empower refugees to become self-sufficient members of our community.
Preferred Communities Program The purpose of the Preferred Communities Program is to support resettlement of current and newly arriving refugees with the best opportunities for their self-sufficiency and integration into new communities.Preferred Communities (PC) aids refugees with special needs that require intensive case management. To be referred to this program, the refugee must have completed the R&P period and be within 3 years of resettling to the U.S. The PC program provides integrative support for refugees with Behavioral Health, Intensive Case Management, and Employment needs. PC-Behavioral Health is managed by our Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner.
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |