The search for work that permits a dignified lifestyle; an aspiration to economic independence; and a minimum of stability are among the most voiced desires of individuals who have overcome the initial emergency phases of migration and have begun to think about the future. For a refugee, integration into the work force poses problems larger than those encountered by Italian citizens. Among these are the lack of recognition of many foreigners’ educational qualifications and the difficulty, if not impossibility, of rendering estimable their qualifications and prior work experience—as well as their limited knowledge of the labor market’s main aspects and of the services aimed towards this insertion. To all this is often added a poor command of Italian and limited knowledge of one’s own rights and duties in regards to the working world.

Centro Astalli’s Center for Work Orientation attempts to foster the conceptualization and eventual realization of a new life plan. This is done through various interviews and meetings that help recreate a formational path and preceding work experience, in addition to supplying information about work opportunities in Rome or in other cities. The process begins with the drafting of curriculum vitae, keeping in mind that work cannot always be solely a means of survival: it must become a tool for feeling that one is an active and recognized member of society. The second step consists of bringing together requests and offers of work through contacts that are established and strengthened over time in the private sector, but also in the business field, in cooperatives, and with various other types of organizations.

The request for work is often accompanied by a request for lodging. At a time where finding a house or apartment is laborious even for Italians, for immigrants the common difficulties are further amplified by the obstacles of prejudice and distrust. Additionally, foreigners all too often have to extract themselves from prohibitive rents and the tendency of landlords to take advantage of the foreigners’ precarious situation for their own gain. For this reason, the volunteers at the Center are available to provide information to employers and landlords that turn to Centro Astalli to clarify their doubts, and to render as easy as possible a refugee’s path towards self-sufficiency.

The aim of these interactions is to overcome the mere interchange of demands and offers in order to arrive at an actual personal encounter, one that could signal the beginning of a relationship of trust and reciprocal enrichment. The financial crisis paralyzed the labor market for all practical purposes, making the search for work involving a legal contract even more difficult.

At the work assistance office at Centro Astalli the effects were detected in almost no time: staff members quickly ascertained that the only possible opportunities were positions as cleaning ladies and caretakers for women, and positions in building and construction for men. This situation notwithstanding, the preparation of a detailed curriculum, the simulation of job interviews, and the daily activity of interchanging demands and offers of work have been conducted with even greater commitment and dedication, in order to continue to create opportunities and occasions for those who have fled war and persecution to seek redemption in Italy.