Welcome to the Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP). Our mission is to ensure the effective resettlement of refugees and to promote refugee advancement past self-sufficiency and to long-term integration. Colorado has a long history of leadership and support for refugee resettlement. Whether you are a refugee, asylee, community partner, or an interested individual looking for a way to connect, we hope to provide you with the resources you need.
About refugees in Colorado
Refugees come to Colorado from many countries and bring an array of skills, backgrounds and life experiences. Our refugee neighbors share the common aspiration of finding safety and security and opportunities to establish themselves and their families in new communities.
The following reports and data provide information about the communities resettling in Colorado and show how newcomers are integrating and contributing to our state.
- Reports about refugees in Colorado
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Economic and Fiscal Impact of Refugees in Colorado
This statewide study demonstrates the economic benefit from resettling refugees in Colorado.
Colorado refugee economic impact snapshot (infographic)
This infographic summarizes some of the findings from the above report.
Refugee Integration and Survey Evaluation (RISE)
This nationally recognized longitudinal study explores refugee integration over a five-year period.
- Data about refugees in Colorado
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CRSP collects data on refugee and other eligible populations statewide. Data collected includes key demographics such as national origin, age, and gender, alongside data on employment placement and ESL attendance. Browse and download this data below. View this glossary for a definition of terms.
- Current refugee research
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In partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), CRSP manages the Colorado Centers of Excellence in Refugee Health. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded program collects and analyzes refugee medical screening data from seven states and health indicators from the medical screening clinics in Colorado. The main program goals are to protect public health and improve the health of refugees. Future results will be published on this site.
Learn more about the Colorado Centers of Excellence in Refugee Health on their website.
Services for refugees
CRSP funds a diverse network of service providers to support the effective resettlement and integration of refugees and other eligible populations in Colorado. Visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement's website for a complete list of all eligible populations. This infographic shows the types of programs and services that CRSP funds. All CRSP-funded programs and services are listed in greater detail below.
Just granted asylum? Watch this video to learn about available programs and services and reach out to your nearest resettlement agency to enroll.
Resettlement agencies
Resettlement agencies support refugees and other eligible populations to integrate into the community. Services include securing initial housing, job search and placement, case management, access to public benefits, referrals to other services. Psychosocial support, women’s empowerment, financial literacy, and legal help are also available.
- List of providers
English as a Second Language
The Colorado Refugee Services Program invests in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes because building linguistic and cultural skills are key drivers of integration and economic self-sufficiency. ESL classes are available in many locations and include instruction for all levels. Contact the individual providers in the list below for class schedules and registration information.
- List of providers
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Metro Denver
- Emily Griffith Technical College
- Focus Points Family Resource Center
- Jefferson County Public Schools Family Literacy Program
- Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning
Northern Colorado
Colorado Springs
Career pathway planning
The CAREERS Program prepares refugees and other eligible populations for employment in fields with growth potential. This program has options for skilled professionals to return to prior professions or launch a new career, as well as options for individuals who are working in entry-level positions who want to establish a career with growth opportunities.
Health and wellness
Services include initial medical screening, connection to primary care, health education, case management, and navigation to improve access to health services and promote health literacy. Collaboration with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Health Care Policy and Financing support medical screening processes, refugee health surveillance, and Refugee Medical Assistance administration.
Youth services
Programs for youth support our two-generation approach and provide holistic programming tailored to the needs and interests of youth. Youth programs utilize a positive youth development framework and incorporate educational and career-focused programming. Our partners’ programs are designed to support youth across the state, and include both in-person and remote options.
Elder and other services
Programs for elders and additional groups support our two-generation approach and provide holistic programming tailored to the needs and interests of these groups. Elder services support elders’ overall wellbeing through exercise, social bridging, and educational activities. Other providers support our communities with service navigation and educational workshops to build towards long-term integration.
- List of providers
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Elder services
Other support services
Connect
Colorado Refugee Connect is an initiative collaboratively led by Colorado’s three resettlement agencies in partnership with CRSP. Colorado Refugee Connect helps grow connections between refugees and our receiving community members in the following ways.
Learn
Watch refugee 101 videos to understand the resettlement process. Explore curated lists of books, movies and websites to build your knowledge.
Engage
Search a statewide directory of refugee-serving organizations to access programs or volunteer. Request a speaker from the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau.
Celebrate
Attend an upcoming event to learn more about and celebrate our refugee neighbors. Submit an event to further build connections across communities.
About us
The Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP) is a program of the Colorado Department of Human Services and is responsible for the statewide coordination of refugee resettlement under the authority of the Refugee Act of 1980.
CRSP does not offer any direct services but instead works through a constellation of contracts and partners to achieve our goals. Our services and programs support refugees and the larger receiving community working together to build the social capital necessary to sustain a welcoming environment for refugees and build a stronger Colorado for us all.
Our mission: Ensure the effective resettlement of refugees and promote refugee advancement past self-sufficiency and to long-term integration.
Our vision: Refugees are safe, healthy, and prepared to achieve their greatest aspirations.
Contact us
Contact the Colorado Refugee Services Program at 303.863.8211 or crsp@state.co.us.