In these unsettling times, Upwardly Global is doubling down on our commitment to support immigrant job seekers - including refugees and asylees - who face increased economic insecurity and uncertainty.
Over the last 10 days, we have been reaching out to our job seekers to better understand and respond to their needs. As of late last week:
Nearly 50% have experienced job loss or reduced income - from a “survival” job - or their hours had been significantly reduced. As a result, 28% are not earning enough to meet their basic needs.
69% have no savings, or one month’s worth of savings or less.
73% reported struggling with their job search - and we know that this is on the horizon for many more.
In the immediate term, we are focused on these key areas:
Sharing resources that connect and help job seekers navigate relief benefits and shifting to helping them find immediate jobs in healthcare and other high-demand areas.
Scaling our virtual skills training and job readiness resources to assist a growing number of job seekers in UpGlo and among partners, and helping to prepare them during this difficult time for the rebound, when it comes.
Enhancing our virtual coaching and volunteer services to ensure that job seekers feel connected and continue to build critical networking skills and knowledge.
We see even in this crisis how the immigrants we serve have the ability to contribute deeply to our economy and communities, and how they are playing an important role right now in keeping necessary services running. Upwardly Global and partners like you are crucial to building a stronger, more resilient and inclusive workforce and country that can weather the challenges ahead.
Refer job seekers to our program. While our offices are closed, our staff is working, coaching, and continuing to provide vital job search support and training to immigrant and refugee professionals.
Support a small business and Upwardly Global at the same time! The clothing company Lawrence & Argyle celebrates our country’s rich heritage as a nation of immigrants. And through the end of March, 50% of their profits will benefit Upwardly Global.
Thank you for being part of UpGlo’s community. Your support and solidarity at this time mean so much.
UpGlo Job Seekers on the Front Lines of Health Care
As Covid-19 strains the capacity of our healthcare system, Upwardly Global is working to ensure that qualified foreign-trained healthcare professionals can offer their skills at this time of great need.
Our job seekers - physicians, nurses, researchers, technicians, nutritionists, and therapists - have valid medical degrees from their home countries, experience in health care, employment authorization and an eagerness to serve, but many have hit barriers in completing the time-consuming and expensive process to re-license in the United States.
They are working survival jobs as their vital skills are in great demand - yet 94% expressed a desire to support the U.S. in responding to the Covid-19 crisis in a recent UpGlo survey. We’re in touch with partner organizations and local officials to explore pathways to put this incredible talent pool into service.
In the meantime, we celebrate the successes of our alumni who advance through the licensing process. Just last week, 12 UpGlo job seekers matched to residency programs at hospitals across the country, a great personal achievement that comes at a critical time.
Ei Ei - a physician from Myanmar - matched with an Internal Medicine residency program in Pennsylvania. She says, “Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to be a compassionate physician. I am so grateful to Upwardly Global for helping me on this journey. Because of my job coach’s support, I was prepared and interviewed with confidence. Having the opportunity to become a doctor again is a dream come true.”
Ei Ei and others will work on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Thank you and congratulations!
Thank you to our entire community for your support.
