Refugee Programs in Dallas-Fort Worth | Food, ESL, Employment & Health — DFWROS
Holistic Support

Our Programs

From a family's arrival to the day they're fully rooted — DFWROS offers a full continuum of services for every need, in every season.

Jump to: Food Assistance Employment Education & ESL Case Management Community

Five Pillars of Holistic Support

Refugees arrive with strength, resilience, and skills. We build the support that lets those qualities flourish — across food, employment, education, case management, and community.

Grocery & Food Assistance
Weekly
Distribution across DFW
Halal-certified food only
Emergency boxes in 24 hours
North Texas Food Bank partner

Grocery & Food Assistance

Food is foundational. For newly arrived refugee families, navigating a new food system can be overwhelming. DFWROS removes that barrier with culturally appropriate groceries and halal food, delivered with dignity and without conditions.

Our weekly distribution sites across northeast Dallas bring fresh produce, pantry staples, halal proteins, and household goods to families who need them. Emergency food boxes reach families in crisis within 24 hours.

In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and local halal markets, we source food that reflects the traditions of our communities — from South Asian spices to East African grains — so every family can eat the foods they love.

What We Provide
  • Weekly halal grocery distributions
  • Emergency food boxes (24-hr delivery)
  • Fresh produce and culturally specific items
  • Baby formula and infant nutrition
  • Household and hygiene essentials
  • Ramadan food packages and Eid provisions
  • Referrals to long-term food support programs
Employment Pathways
Resume & interview coaching
Certification in high-demand fields
Direct employer connections

Employment Pathways

Economic self-sufficiency is one of the most powerful outcomes we help families achieve. When a parent lands a job that matches their skills, everything else follows — housing stability, educational investment, and lasting community roots.

Employment Pathways meets adults where they are. Whether a participant holds a professional degree, skilled trades experience, or is entering the workforce for the first time — we build an individualized plan on their strengths.

Job readiness workshops cover American workplace culture, resume formatting, online applications, and professional email etiquette. Mock interviews with volunteers build confidence before real hiring managers.

We partner directly with DFW employers committed to inclusive hiring, and facilitate certifications in high-demand fields including healthcare support, logistics, and food service management.

What We Offer
  • Individual job readiness assessments
  • Resume writing and LinkedIn profiles
  • Mock interview coaching
  • American workplace culture orientation
  • Employer partnerships and job fairs
  • Professional certification support
  • Credential recognition assistance
Education & ESL
320+
Adults in ESL classes in 2024
5
Class levels, beginner to advanced
Morning, evening & weekend classes
GED prep & adult literacy
K-12 school enrollment support

Education & ESL

Language unlocks everything else. When families can communicate in English — at a doctor's office, parent-teacher conference, or job interview — their autonomy expands. English learning is among the highest-impact investments we make.

ESL classes run at multiple levels, from beginners to advanced speakers preparing for professional environments. Classes are offered morning, evening, and weekends to fit working adults and caregivers.

For adults without formal schooling, we offer adult literacy and GED prep — opening doors to higher education, better jobs, and civic participation. Certified instructors and volunteer tutors create a supportive, shame-free space.

For children, we provide school enrollment navigation — connecting families with the right district, completing paperwork, and accessing tutoring, after-school, and enrichment activities.

Educational Services
  • ESL classes (beginner to advanced)
  • Sewing
  • Adult literacy instruction
  • GED preparation and testing support
  • School enrollment navigation
  • After-school tutoring programs
  • Homework help for K-12 students
  • Higher education pathway guidance
  • Digital literacy and computer skills
Case Management
950+
Active cases managed in 2024
12+
Languages served by case managers
Housing & tenant advocacy
SNAP, Medicaid & benefits enrollment
Legal referrals & immigration support

Case Management

No two families have the same needs. Case management is the connective tissue of our work — individualized, relationship-based support tailored to each family's circumstances and goals.

Every family begins with a comprehensive intake in their preferred language. Case managers listen deeply — to what families need today and where they want to go. Together they build a service plan forward.

Benefits navigation is one of our most essential services. Many families qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and utility assistance, but enrollment is daunting without guidance. Our team walks families through every step.

We also assist with housing — tenant rights, landlord communication, and emergency housing aid when eviction threatens. For immigration, DACA renewals, and family reunification, we refer to trusted legal aid partners.

Case Management Services
  • Comprehensive intake and assessment
  • Individualized service planning
  • Benefits enrollment navigation
  • Housing support and tenant advocacy
  • Legal referrals and immigration support
  • Family reunification assistance
  • Crisis intervention and emergency aid
  • Regular follow-up and progress reviews
Community Integration
40+
Community events & gatherings per year
1,000+
Community members engaged annually
Civic education & voter registration
Cultural celebrations & iftar dinners
Youth leadership development

Community Integration

Belonging matters as much as benefits. A family can have food, housing, and employment — and still feel deeply alone. Our Community Integration program is built on one conviction: refugees aren't just service recipients — they're contributors to DFW's fabric.

Through cultural celebrations, community dinners, and holiday events, we create spaces where diverse communities come together — refugee families and longtime Dallas residents sharing tables, stories, and friendships. These moments build social trust.

Civic engagement is equally central. We help families understand their rights, navigate naturalization, register to vote, and engage with local government. An informed, active refugee community is stronger and more resilient.

For those who want to go further, our mentorship and leadership pathway offers training, coaching, and opportunities to become advocates, volunteers, and program leaders. Some of our strongest staff began as program participants.

Community Programs
  • Cultural celebration events
  • Community dinners and iftar gatherings
  • Civic education and voter registration
  • Naturalization support and preparation
  • Peer support groups by language community
  • Women's empowerment circles
  • Youth leadership development
  • Mentorship and volunteer pathways
Learn more about our programs →

How to Access Services

Our process is simple, welcoming, and available in multiple languages. There is no wrong door — any program is a starting point for a wider range of support.

Step 1: Call or Contact Us

Reach us by phone at 469-730-6609 or email zeenik@dfwros.info. Walk-ins are also welcome at our office during business hours.

Step 2: Intake & Assessment

A case manager meets with you — in your language — to understand your needs and situation. The conversation is confidential, judgment-free, and connects you to the right services.

Step 3: Connect with Services

Based on your intake, we build a service plan and connect you to programs — from immediate food aid to long-term employment and education pathways. You never navigate alone.

Contact Us to Get Started →
Make It Possible

Help Us Serve More Families

Every program at DFWROS depends on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers. Whether you give, serve, or both — you are part of the work that transforms lives.