1. CENTER FOR REFUGEES
AND IMMIGRANTS OF TENNESSEE
ANNUAL REPORT
CRIT Emerges to Serve
More During Critical Time
English & Citizenship
Classes in High Demand
1
1
Service for Refugee Vic-
tims of Crime Expands to
DVD and TV
2
Diabetes, Cardiovascular
Health Screenings Begin
2
Drivers Education Classes
at CRIT a key to integrat-
ing New Americans
2
School Impact Program
and Education Services
Reach Refugee Youth
3
Center’s Work Recognized
in National, Local Media
Annual Financial Picture
Meet the CRIT Staff
4
4
4
Inside this issue:
Center’s Services Needed More Than Ever,
Economy Hits Refugees & Immigrants Hard
Nationally Recognized for Integrating Refugees
Annual Report
2009:
Activities from
July ‘08-July ‘09
The Center for Refugees
and Immigrants of Tennessee
(CRIT) evolved and expanded
during the past year from its
former role as the Somali
Community Center of Nash-
ville. It now addresses grow-
ing challenges facing addi-
tional vulnerable populations.
The increase in need occurs
at a time when the agency
needs much greater public
support and grant funding for
programs.
Refugees and immigrants
served by CRIT originate
from Somalia, Burma, Central
Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and
elsewhere. They face a finan-
cial necessity to integrate into
Nashville and Middle Tennes-
see during the worst recession
since at least the Reagan ad-
ministration, when unemploy-
ment hit 12%. They take jobs
in production, cleaning, hos-
pitality, landscaping, and
anywhere else they can be
hired. Layoffs at manufactur-
ers and in hospitality have
hurt the most, since this often
is the first U.S. employment
the foreign-born obtain.
Community Development
Program Manager Kerry
Foley strengthened CRIT’s
relationships with various
leading employers, including
Elwood Staffing, which
places workers in temporary
openings in factories. Sphe-
rion and other temporary ser-
vices have placed some of our
clients at Dell Computers,
Asurion and other companies.
CRIT also initiated a rela-
(Continued on P. 3)
PHOTO: Prog. Assistant Sahra Roble, seated, and Community Development Dir. Carter Moody, standing,
assist a Burmese refugee (foreground), with interpreter Rev. Roger Kung, left. Photo by Sadia Yalahow.
Demand Grows for CRIT’s English & Citizenship Classes
A record number of 110 refugees and
immigrants received English language
instruction at the Center since July 2008.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation pro-
vided the second year of two-year fund-
ing. Partner agency Tenn. Foreign Lan-
guage Institute’s Angela Harris directed
the program. Four levels off ESL are
taught, including Literacy A and B, and
two levels of ESL for speech, writing,
and enhanced workplace literacy.
Classes for the U.S. Naturaliza-
tion Test resulted in 90% of our stu-
dents passing and becoming citizens.
Family Tree created by ESL Class member.
Citizenship teacher Allie Gray, after students
decorated her in traditional Henna design.
Photo by Carter Moody

2. Center for Refugees and Immigrants of Tennessee Leads Healthcare Partnership,
Vine Hill Community Clinic Holds Cardiovascular & Diabetes Screenings, Accepts Referrals
Nationally Recognized for Integrating Refugees Annual Report 2009:
Activities from
July ‘08-July ‘09
Page 2
The Center for Refugees
and Immigrants (CRIT), as
lead agency, and University
Community Health Ser-
vices’ Vine Hill Community
Clinic (VHCC) are provid-
ing education and screenings
to detect and prevent diabe-
tes and cardiovascular dis-
ease (CVD).
The large Limited English
Proficiency (LEP) African-
origin population of the
Nashville area is particularly
vulnerable, especially after
adopting a U.S. diet and more
sedentary lifestyles. Refugees
also endure stress from past
traumas of war and dislocation.
CRIT and VHCC are grateful
to the support of a major Mid-
dle Tennessee foundation for
making this program happen,
although the donor at this time
prefers “quiet giving” and will
be recognized at another time.
The partners’ outreach effort
draws refugees into community
-based health education classes,
teach-in groups, health fairs,
directly between student and instruc-
tor and are conducted on non-
classroom training days (usually in 2-
hour slots). Dual-controlled cars al-
low the instructors to provide added
safety during on-the-road driver
training.
The Center and the students are
fortunate to have a courteous, patient
and expert instructor in Mr. Jose
Gonzales. Multi-lingual staff at CRIT
offer interpretation during the class
as needed, especially for specific
legal and technical terms.
Drivers Education Partnership with Workforce Essentials, Inc. a Big Hit
healthy shopping tours and a
robust referral procedure be-
tween CRIT and VHCC. One
screening in June had a long
waiting line. Refugees are also
given pedometers.
Refugees using these services
increase their knowledge of
how to prevent/treat diabetes
and cardiovascular disease, and
make greater use of preventive
health care with culturally com-
petent providers, improving
their quality of life. Bilingual Food Pyramid at CRIT
illustrates basics of healthy diet.
The Center for Refugees and Immi-
grants of Tennessee is hosting one of
the only Drivers Education classes
offered in Nashville. The program is
licensed by the Tennessee Department
of Safety and consists of 30 hours of
classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-
wheel instruction. Workforce Essen-
tials, Inc., a one-stop career center
serving mid-state counties, provides
the classes at CRIT for participants
age 15 to senior citizens.
The 'behind the wheel' driving ses-
sions are conveniently scheduled
Programs for CATV Help Refugees Access 9-1-1 & Domestic Violence Services
The “Campaign to Link
African Refugee Victims of
Crime With Services” has
been an important program,
funded by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Justice from 2006-
2009.
CRIT produced Commu-
nity Access TV programs
on domestic violence, for
airing on Comcast Channel
19, and on how to use the 9-
1-1 emergency line. The
project has also translated
educational flyers into So-
mali on topics such as do-
mestic violence and proper
conduct during police stops.
The Center held commu-
nity education activities in-
forming refugees of the rights
and services available for vic-
tims of crime (including ser-
vices from police and legal re-
sources).
Staff also help victims com-
municate with police and fill
out victim compensation appli-
cations when they are eligible.
CRIT staff provided cultural
trainings for the Nashville Cul-
tural Competency Domestic
Violence Group and to the
YWCA Domestic Violence
Shelter staff. These meetings
assist local agencies in better
serving refugee clients.
CRIT prepared a Community Access TV program for local Comcast
Channel 19 “Know Your rights as a Victim of Domestic Violence.” A
similar program was taped in the 9-1-1 call center, thanks to their assis-
tance. Members of the community volunteered to portray victims, attor-
neys, perpetrators and police in the half-hour Public Service Announce-
ment. Above are Roland Frye, and “Shakria.”
Drivers Education instructor Jose Gonzalez of Work-
force Essentials trains a class of 20 drivers with CRIT’s
Sadia Yalahow, July 2009. Photo by Carter Moody

3. (Continued from Page 1)
tionship with Nashville Op-
portunities Industrialization
Center (OIC), which provides
job training, job coaching and
job placement services for
hard to place individuals.
OIC has access to “hidden
jobs” not widely advertised.
CRIT’s Deputy Director Ab-
dullahi Farah has interpreted
for Goodwill Industries at its
Nashville plant, helping
Goodwill explain to refugee
staff the company’s new rules
and regulations regarding
work, production, safety, and
ethics. Goodwill offers train-
ing and job placement ser-
vices, including access to
hidden jobs. Both OIC and
Goodwill are partners in a
pending federal grant pro-
posal, to expand the capacity
of all three agencies in serv-
ing more workers.
AllPro/Staffnet, a staffing
company which hires nurses/
certified nursing assistants, as
well as general labor and
factory jobs, is located in the
same office park building as
CRIT. Our staff can easily
accompany clients to AllPro/
Staffnet’s office and help
them fill out applications.
Walden Security, a security
company next door to CRIT’s
office, is interested in hiring
refugees able to document
their education (high school,
or preferably college), and
meet other requirements.
Results of this multi-
faceted effort include tempo-
rary positions as well as di-
rect hiring that includes
health insurance, at compa-
nies such as Dell Computers,
Genco, Inc., Asurion, a local
cell phone company, and
Netflix. One client was also
placed at Freshpoint Tomato,
while another client is work-
ing in quality control at
Quanta Computers. Clients
have also been placed as care-
givers. Finally, a client got a
direct hire, professional job
with benefits as a Resource
Specialist at Tennessee Maxi-
mus, helping welfare recipi-
ents find jobs and remain in
compliance.
_____________________
CRIT also conducts
Cultural Orientation
sessions for organiza-
tions that solicit our
assistance.
_____________________
In order to ensure that par-
ticipants are able to fully
concentrate on their employ-
ment, the program also ad-
dresses social adjustment
issues. This direct assistance
includes: referrals to afford-
able doctors and attorneys,
assistance accessing social
services (unemployment,
affordable housing, Families
First, TennCare, etc.), and
assistance accessing educa-
tion/training.
One refugee in a severe
family situation was assisted
throughout the past year to
increase her self-confidence
and regain stability. She now
has permanent employment
and stable housing.
Staff also assist participants
with applications to college,
for financial aid, and coun-
sels them about the best op-
portunities.
CRIT staff conduct Cul-
tural Orientations for organi-
zations who solicit our assis-
tance. These include discus-
sions of refugee diets, social
customs and health concerns.
Community Development Program Assists Families Struggling in the Recession
Individual and Group Services Aid Careers, Staff Leverages Capacity From Partnerships
Nationally Recognized for Integrating Refugees Annual Report 2009:
Activities from
July ‘08-July ‘09 Page 3
CRIT Services Provided to New Clients
from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009
ESL &
Citizenship
41%
Education
Casework &
Tutoring
18%
Social
Adjustment
25%
Housing
Assistance
1%
Legal
3%
Other
5%
Health Educ. &
Screening
7%
Assisting refugees with education, social adjustment, and
health issues comprised most of the services documented in
2008-2009 at CRIT. Adults and youth are served.
Refugee Students, Parents and Schools Assisted
CRIT operated two programs in the 2008-2009 school
year utilizing proven strategies this agency has devel-
oped to assist refugee students, their parents and the
teachers and staff of targeted inner city schools. The
Refugee School Impact program, funded by the Tennes-
see Office for Refugees, focuses on educational informa-
tion (translated when needed for refugee families); refu-
gee cultural information provided to school personnel;
facilitating communication between parents and their
children’s teachers; intervention/case management if
problems occur with students; advocacy on behalf of
refugee families; and after-school tutoring to enhance
academic performance. This program is recognized in
the Summer 2009 Spotlight by Bridging Refugee Youth
& Children, at www.brycs.org. CRIT also was contracted
by the Tenn. Dept. of Education to provided Supplemen-
tal Education Services for students needing constructive
after school services.
Refugee students’ gradua-
tion celebration, May 2009

4. CRIT is located at: 295 Plus Park Blvd.,
Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37217
Web: www.centerforrefugees.org
Welcoming You and Others to the
Center for Refugees & Immigrants:
CRIT staff are on hand to help refugees and
immigrants develop independence. Shown in
photo above are (L to R): Sahra Roble, Pro-
gram Assistant; Abdirizak Hassan, Exe. Direc-
tor; Kerry Foley, Program Manager; Abdullahi
Farah, Deputy Director; Carter Moody, Devel-
opment Director, Sadia Yalahow, Program As-
sistant. Photo by Khadra Yusur.
Phone: 615-366-6868
Fax: 615-360-9696
Email: center@centerforrefugees.org
C E N T E R F O R R E F U G E E S
A N D I M M I G R A N T S O F T E N N E S S E E
A N N U A L R E P O R T
CRIT’s staff, board and clients
express our gratitude to funders
who have supported the agency
from July 08-July 09: U.S. Office of
Refugee Resettlement; U.S. Dept. of
Justice; Dollar General Literacy Founda-
tion; Tenn. Office for Refugees; Tenn.
Dept. of Education, and “quiet-giving”
major donors. As a nonprofit, we en-
courage private donations as well. See
also: GivingMatters.com
CRIT deeply appreciates Technical
Assistance provided by the International
Rescue Committee’s Danielle Rosario-
Mullen and Danya Pastuszek (New York)
and Sharron Darrough (San Diego. The
Tenn. Foreign Language Institute’s
Taunia Rice provided quality ESL in-
struction. Citizenship Teachers Allie
Gray and Kori Parvin are also invaluable.
Web Design of centerforrefu-
gees.org by: SkinnerGraphics.com
Cover photo of Nashville skyline by
Danielle Pack, International Rescue
Committee, New York (from 2005).
Deputy Director Abdullahi Farah, second from right, and
CRIT board member Amal Adam, far right, assisted PBS
affiliate WNPT-TV, sponsor HCA, and the refugee community
in the “Next Door Neighbors” TV series on Somalis and
Kurds living in the Nashville area.
CENTER FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS OF TENNESSEE
Statement of Financial Activities, Agency Fiscal Year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 2008
PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE
Governmental grants and contracts 204,222
Foundation grants, private contributions 60,109
Program Income 23,789
TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT 288,120
EXPENSES
Program Services 214,134
Management and General Expenses 67,955
Fundraising 10,421
TOTAL EXPENSES 292,510
Change in Net Assets in 2008 (4,390)
Prior Period Adjustment (2,400)
NET ASSETS: BEGINNING OF 2008 61,306
NET UNRESTRICTED ASSETS END OF 2008 $ 54,516
From Jan. 2008 through
May 2009, 1,616 refugees
were received by resettle-
ment agencies in Tennes-
see. Of these, most have
arrived from: Iraq, 423 or
26%; Burma (Myanmar),
396, 24.5%; Bhutan, 224,
14%; Burundi, 112, 7%. In
2008, the state settled
1,012 refugees. By May 31,
2009, 604 individuals had
arrived. Nashville, Knox-
ville and Memphis are the
primary destinations.
Center’s Work Gains National and Local Recognition
This Center’s work is being highlighted
in local media and in nationally-distributed
print and online outlets. A Feb. 3 2009
Page 1 Tennessean article describing
CRIT’s outreach to Burmese refugees was
picked up by AP and by the Interna-
tional Herald Tribune, circulated world-
wide.
The Summer 2009 issue of Refugee-
Works’ newsletter also spotlights CRIT
in the context of its special issue on
“Finding Work in Hard Times,” with an
article by Community Development Di-
rector Carter Moody. Program Manager
Kerry Foley published an article in the
Fall RefugeeWorks newsletter.
The Center’s staff are frequently
called to join discussion panels for docu-
mentaries, at civic and business groups
and to speak at schools and universities.