World Relief Wisconsin, based in Appleton and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a federal resettlement site contracted by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The organization helps newly arrived refugees navigate life in the United States through intensive 90-day programs. For particularly vulnerable individuals, such as single parents, unaccompanied minors, and those with disabilities, World Relief provides extended year-long support aimed at fostering independence and belonging.
In response to the arrival of 60,000 Afghan refugees, including 188 resettled in the Appleton area, World Relief Wisconsin faced a shortage of Dari and Pashto interpreters. The limited local Afghan population meant existing resources could not meet demand, leaving language access gaps during key services such as medical appointments and case management.
World Relief Wisconsin added Boostlingo On-Demand, an interpretation platform, to enable case workers to access professional interpreters across multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops. The platform allowed three-way calls and provided interpreters with specialized knowledge, like medical and legal expertise. Allowing World Relief to set refugees up with access to critical services with clear communication and cultural sensitivity.
"Our staff can access interpreters across devices—cell phones, iPads, and laptops—making interpretation accessible wherever it’s needed. The platform supports three-way calls, which allows us to handle urgent messages or reminders effectively."
Susie Brekke, Associate Director of Integration and Wellness
World Relief Wisconsin changed its approach to language access with Boostlingo. The platform removed logistical challenges for case workers and provided immediate access to professional interpreters. Boostlingo made clear communication available in urgent medical situations, helping clients to understand their options and advocate for themselves. The flexibility of Boostlingo also supported World Relief’s partnerships.
World Relief used the platform to facilitate therapy sessions for clients experiencing trauma when a partner faced interpreter shortages in December. This access to interpretation services improved outcomes and strengthened World Relief’s ability to fulfill its mission. Today, World Relief Wisconsin provides timely, reliable, and culturally appropriate language support, improving the resettlement experience for vulnerable refugees.
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