About
RefugeeOne is a Chicago-based refugee resettlement agency that creates opportunities for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance. Founded in 1982, the organization describes itself as Chicago's largest refugee resettlement agency and has welcomed more than 22,000 refugees, including people fleeing crises in Rwanda, the former Soviet Union, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
Mission
RefugeeOne's mission is to create opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance.
What they do
RefugeeOne provides comprehensive support at no cost to participants, including:
- Resettlement services, coordinating housing and the essentials refugees need to establish themselves in Chicago
- English language training for adults rebuilding their lives
- Workforce development, including job skills training, employment coaching, and job placement
- A sewing studio offering vocational training and creative opportunity
- A wellness program providing mental health and well-being services
- A dental clinic offering oral health care
- Youth and young adult programs, reflecting that almost half of the refugees welcomed are youth
- Women's services tailored to refugee women
- Immigration assistance, including citizenship application support and naturalization classes
- Programs serving asylum seekers
History
RefugeeOne was established in 1982 and has served refugees in Chicago for more than 40 years, welcoming hundreds of refugees annually through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Scale and impact
The organization serves more than 2,500 refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants each year and has welcomed over 22,000 refugees since its founding. It is headquartered at 6008 N. California Ave. in Chicago.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, RefugeeOne (EIN 36-3817743) reported total revenue of $14,834,168, total expenses of $12,854,599, and total assets of $16,946,726 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Contributions accounted for about 98.4 percent of revenue, and staff salaries represented roughly half of expenses at $6,357,212.
Governance
RefugeeOne is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, EIN 36-3817743.
