The Intake Meeting

Within 24 to 48 hours of arrival, every refugee family participates in a detailed intake meeting—an essential first step in the resettlement journey, guided by standards set by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This meeting ensures that families receive support, resources, and clarity from the very beginning.

Held in a private, welcoming space, the intake meeting covers vital ground: verifying personal information, reviewing travel documents, and confirming immigration status. GGIC staff also discuss available public benefits, housing timelines, school enrollment, and upcoming medical appointments. With the help of trained interpreters, families ask (many!) questions, express concerns, and begin setting goals for the months ahead. It’s not just paperwork—it’s a roadmap for rebuilding a life.

By the end of the meeting, families leave with a plan, a partner (GGIC), a timeline towards self-sufficiency, and a sense that they are no longer navigating this alone.

Knowing Your Rights, Owning Your Journey

As required by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), every refugee family is guided through two essential documents: the “Rights and Responsibilities” and the “Information Release” forms.

The Rights and Responsibilities form helps families understand their entitlements—safe housing, legal assistance, and healthcare access. It also informs families about the expectations they must uphold—such as attending orientation sessions, maintaining contact with GGIC staff, and working towards self-sufficiency. The Information Release form ensures that GGIC can coordinate with schools, clinics, and public agencies on the family’s behalf with informed consent.

With professional interpretation and patient explanation, no signature is rushed and no question goes unanswered. These forms are not just signed for compliance, but more importantly to codify trust, transparency, and the right to be heard.

Fue muy bueno, nos recibieron con comida de nuestro pais de origen y eso lo apreciamos mucho. En la primera reunión conocimos de nuestra agencia, hablamos un poco de nuestro viaje y de nuestra vida en Colombia. Además nos dieron a conocer las cosas que haríamos a partir de nuestro día de llegada.

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It was very good. We were welcomed with food from our country of origin and we appreciated this a lot. In our first meeting, we got to know the [resettlement] agency, spoke a bit about our journey and our life in Colombia. We were also familiarized with the things we would do after arriving.