Programs & Services
Wraparound Support for Every Stage of the Journey
From the moment a family arrives to the day they achieve stability — FREC walks alongside them with education, social services, housing, legal aid, and community connection.
FREC's programs are designed around the real, layered needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and low-income families in City Heights. We don't offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We offer people — case managers, educators, advocates, and community members — who show up, listen, and help families navigate a complex world with dignity.
Education & Youth
Building futures, one student at a time.
Education is the foundation of long-term stability. FREC's education programs serve children, youth, and adults — from after-school tutoring to ESL classes and youth mentorship.
After-School Tutoring
Free tutoring for K–12 students in core subjects including math, reading, and science. Sessions are led by trained volunteers and staff in a safe, welcoming environment.
ESL & Adult Literacy
English as a Second Language classes for adults at all proficiency levels. We also offer basic literacy support for community members who need it.
Youth Mentorship
One-on-one and group mentorship connecting young people with positive role models from the community — building confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
Summer Learning Programs
Structured summer enrichment to prevent learning loss and keep students engaged, active, and connected to their peers and community.
Housing & Stability
A safe home is where stability begins.
Stable housing is foundational to everything else. FREC helps families find, secure, and maintain safe housing in City Heights and the broader San Diego area.
Housing Navigation
Guidance through the complex process of finding affordable housing — including applications, landlord communication, and understanding tenant rights.
Emergency Rental Assistance
Short-term financial assistance and connections to rental assistance programs for families at risk of eviction or housing instability.
Tenant Rights Education
Workshops and one-on-one support helping families understand their rights as tenants, navigate disputes, and avoid predatory housing situations.
Long-Term Housing Connections
Referrals to affordable housing programs, Section 8 waitlists, and community land trusts for families seeking permanent stability.
Legal Aid & Immigration
Protecting rights. Opening doors.
Navigating the U.S. immigration system is daunting. FREC provides legal support, advocacy, and connections to immigration attorneys for asylum seekers and refugees.
Asylum Support
Guidance and referrals for individuals and families navigating the asylum process — including documentation, court preparation, and legal representation connections.
DACA & TPS Assistance
Support with DACA renewals, Temporary Protected Status applications, and other immigration relief programs available to community members.
Document Assistance
Help obtaining vital documents — birth certificates, passports, ID cards, and Social Security cards — essential for accessing services and employment.
Advocacy & Know Your Rights
Community workshops on immigration rights, ICE encounters, and how to protect yourself and your family — in Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and English.
Community & Cultural Connection
Belonging is not a luxury — it's a necessity.
Isolation is one of the greatest challenges refugees face. FREC builds community through cultural programming, events, and spaces where people can be fully themselves.
Cultural Events & Celebrations
Regular events celebrating Haitian culture and the diverse cultures of City Heights — including Taste of Haiti, Independence Day celebrations, and community dinners.
Women's Empowerment Circle
A safe space for women to connect, share experiences, access resources, and build leadership skills in a supportive, culturally affirming environment.
Senior Support
Outreach and services for elderly community members — including transportation assistance, social connection, and help navigating Medicare and senior services.
Employment Readiness
Resume workshops, job search support, interview preparation, and connections to local employers committed to hiring from the refugee and immigrant community.
Need help? We're here.
If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to FREC. Our team speaks Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and English — and we'll connect you with the right services.
We speak your language
All FREC services are available in multiple languages. No one should face barriers because of language.
Social Services & Case Management
Navigating the system — together.
Our social services team provides individualized case management, connecting families to the resources they need and advocating on their behalf.
Case Management
Dedicated case managers work one-on-one with families to assess needs, set goals, and connect them to services — from benefits enrollment to school registration.
Food Assistance
Emergency food support and connections to local food banks, pantries, and CalFresh enrollment assistance for families facing food insecurity.
Mental Health Referrals
Trauma-informed mental health screenings and warm referrals to culturally competent counselors and therapists in the San Diego area.
Benefits Navigation
Help enrolling in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, and other public benefits programs — in multiple languages, with no judgment.