[RtiTalk] Introducing Taiwan's New Immigrant NGOs and the Ultimate Guide to Seeking Help!

In Taiwan, in addition to government policies, there is also a group of "Non-Governmental Organizations" (NGOs), the most down-to-earth grassroots forces, silently accompanying every new immigrant. 📌What is an NGO? How can they help new immigrants? NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. These organizations do not belong to government departments and are not for profit. They are usually public welfare groups established by volunteers, experts from all walks of society, or even new immigrant sisters themselves, aiming to solve specific social problems. 📌Core Goals and Significance of NGO Organizations for the New Immigrant Community These grassroots organizations not only provide material assistance but also focus on long-term and sustainable companionship. Their core significance includes the following four aspects: - Life Adaptation and Breaking Barriers: Offering free Chinese literacy classes, legal seminars, and motorcycle license test preparation to help new immigrants quickly integrate into Taiwanese society and no longer feel isolated. - Empowerment and Potential Stimulation: Reversing the stereotype that "new immigrants need sympathy" by proactively training sisters to become native language teachers, medical/legal interpreters, or multicultural lecturers. Turning your "country of origin cultural background" into your irreplaceable "competitive advantage" in the Taiwanese job market! - Advocating for Rights and Promoting Equality: Actively advocating to the government to promote more friendly and equal immigration regulations, eliminating societal prejudice against transnational marriages and immigrant ethnic groups. 📌Functions and Contact Information of Taiwan's New Immigrant Support NGOs Whether you need help yourself or a friend needs it, be sure to remember these reputable NGOs deeply rooted in Taiwan: 1. New Southbound Taiwan Sisters Association (TASAT) Core Functions and Services: One of the earliest organizations initiated and organized by new immigrant sisters in Taiwan. They excel at showcasing the voice of new immigrants through cultural media such as drama, podcasts, and publications; they are also pioneers in advocating for immigration human rights laws and breaking down social stereotypes. Contact Information: Northern Office: 1F, No. 15, Zhongxiao St., Yonghe Dist., New Taipei City | Phone: 02-29210565 Southern Office: No. 761, Sec. 2, Zhongzheng Rd., Meinong Dist., Kaohsiung City | Phone: 07-6830738 Email: tasat.taipei@gmail.com Official Website: 2003tasat.org 2. Immigrant Family Association of Taiwan (IMMFA) Core Functions and Services: Dedicated to the healthy growth of new immigrant families. They provide multilingual interpretation services, cross-cultural adaptation counseling, and psychological counseling. In recent years, they have collaborated with financial institutions to actively promote financial literacy education and anti-fraud campaigns for new immigrants. Contact Information: Address: 4F-5, No. 56, Sec. 1, Heping W. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City (Heping Building) Phone: 02-2369-1001 Email: immfa.org@gmail.com Official Website: immfa.org.tw 3. Pearl S. Buck Foundation Taiwan (PSBF) Core Functions and Services: Primarily serves economically disadvantaged new immigrant families. In addition to basic living assistance, their development focus is on long-term support for "second-generation immigrants" (children of new immigrants), providing academic tutoring, scholarships, and various potential development camps. Contact Information: Address: 12F, No. 25, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100 Phone: 02-2504-8088 Email: psbf33@psbf.org.tw Official Website: Search for "Pearl S. Buck Foundation Taiwan" 4. Taiwan International Family Association (TIFA) Core Functions and Services: Emphasizes the spirit of "mutual assistance" for transnational marriage families (including those from Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc.). They assist in resolving family conflicts, provide consultation on labor and basic human rights, and break the isolation of disadvantaged families through local community mutual aid networks. Contact Information (Southern Office): Address: 2F, Alley 5, Lane 518, Sec. 2, Qingnian Rd., Fengshan Dist., Kaohsiung City Phone: 07-7670662 or 07-7675462 Official Website: Search for "Taiwan International Family Association" 5. Shepherd Social Welfare Foundation & Eden Social Welfare Foundation Core Functions and Services: These are two of Taiwan's largest social welfare foundations, which have long undertaken the "New Immigrant Family Service Centers" for various county and city governments. Their service networks are spread throughout Taiwan, offering comprehensive services: from emergency shelter, legal consultation for domestic violence, motorcycle license classes, to employment guidance for beauty and culinary certifications. How to Seek Assistance: Due to the numerous locations across Taiwan, simply search on Google for: "New Immigrant Family Service Center + [Your Residential District]" (e.g., Shilin District New Immigrant Family Service Center), and you can usually find the local service contact points operated by Shepherd or Eden.