Service capacity and disability resource integration: A strategic survey of immigrant and refugee-serving agencies in Illinois

Immigrants and refugees in the United States often face significant barriers in accessing social services, including mental health support, legal assistance, ESL or related education, housing, vocational training, workforce resources, transportation, and citizenship support. This article explores the strengths and challenges of community-based organizations welcoming centers (CBO WC) in Illinois that serve these populations, including people with disabilities, in culturally appropriate and inclusive ways. The Immigrant and Refugee-Led Capacity Development Network of Illinois, based at the University of Illinois Chicago, collaborated with the state's Office of Welcoming Centers to explore the service capacities of 17 CBO grantees. Thirty-three CBO staff members and 13 CBO leaders participated in online surveys designed to identify organizational strengths, assess needs, and explore opportunities to advance their missions. The findings show a range of strengths and abilities to assist immigrant and refugee communities and the limitations they face in addressing critical needs. Implications and future research approaches are discussed.