California’s Unemployment Language Opportunity Program Enables the Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA to Support the Armenian Community

The Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in need.

With a mission focused on providing comprehensive social services, the organization has been a pillar of support for vulnerable populations for over four decades. The organization located in Glendale serves diverse groups, including Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities, immigrants, refugees, senior citizens, disabled adults, homeless populations, and the unemployed or underemployed.

In July of 2022, the Center at Sierra Health Foundation, in partnership with the Employment Development Department (EDD), announced the award of $2 million to 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) throughout California to help limited English-speaking communities and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities have better access to resources for unemployment benefits and other EDD services.

“The Unemployment Language Opportunity Program (ULOP) grant funding has been transformative for The Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA, allowing the organization to expand its services and staff capacity dedicated to outreach, education, system navigation, awareness-raising, and language access for EDD benefits and services aimed at LEP communities,” said Selina Sarafian, a representative of the Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA.

Through the ULOP grant, the organization has enhanced its outreach efforts to targeted communities by employing various strategies such as door-to-door canvassing, community events like the Multicultural Health Fair and Children's Appreciation Day in Glendale, leading to increased participation in booths and tabling activities, and utilizing email blasts to reach over 6,500 individuals.

Since receiving the ULOP grant, the Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA has observed significant improvements in the engagement of LEP communities with unemployment services, evidenced by the ongoing and increased demand for services. The grant funding has been instrumental in addressing language barriers and providing vital support to communities navigating the EDD system.

“We understand that community-based organizations like the Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA is one way to successfully connect and get critical information on EDD’s benefits and services to communities who speak a language other than English,” said Erica Chovva Ruiz, EDD’s Language Access Officer.

Cultural sensitivity for the diverse Armenian community throughout California is paramount in service delivery, with a focus on communicating with LEP communities in Armenian as well as Russian, Farsi, and Arabic while respecting their cultural background. The ULOP grant has further promoted equity and inclusion within the communities served by increasing access to vital services and addressing language barriers effectively. The Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA recognizes the importance of language access in ensuring equitable service delivery and supporting individuals and families in accessing essential resources during challenging times. Access to critical services in the preferred language of the community is crucial, especially during times of need.

Community-based organizations like the Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to EDD services and benefits for LEP communities. The partnership between the EDD and the Armenian Relief Society Social Services of Western USA reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that the needs of limited English-speaking communities are met effectively, benefiting underserved communities, and promoting a more inclusive society.