Business Details
21 Years
experience
Empowering Refugees and Immigrants in Nashville
Since 2005, Sudanese Community & Women's Service Center has dedicated itself to empowering refugees and immigrants in Middle Tennessee. Our mission is to help individuals and families rebuild their lives through comprehensive programs, including English language instruction, immigration services, adult education, and social support. Affiliated with the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) since 2010, we collaborate with the U.S. Department of States Refugee Resettlement Program to ensure newcomers achieve self-sufficiency and integration. Our team of experienced professionals, many of whom are immigrants or refugees themselves, brings deep cultural understanding and expertise to every service we offer.We prioritize holistic support, addressing immediate needs like housing and employment while fostering long-term success through education and community engagement. With over 50,000 individuals served, NICE remains committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every person can thrive. Our leadership in refugee resettlement and advocacy has earned recognition from local and national organizations, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in immigrant integration.
Services
English Classes
Immigration Services
Adult Education
Social Services
Youth Programs
Health Education
Employment Support
Citizenship Preparation
Childcare Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have served over 50,000 refugees and immigrants since 2005.
- Our team includes immigrants and refugees with firsthand cultural expertise.
- We offer holistic programs addressing language, employment, and social integration.
- Affiliated with ECDC and the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program.
- We focus on long-term community integration and self-sufficiency.
What people say
Life-changing support
Dedicated staff
Welcoming environment
Effective English classes
Strong community impact
Services
English Classes
NICE offers comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for adult learners. Our courses focus on practical communication skills, cultural integration, and workforce readiness. Certified instructors use tailored curricula to accommodate varying proficiency levels, ensuring students gain confidence in speaking, reading, and writing English for daily life and professional settings.
Immigration Services
Our team provides expert guidance on immigration processes, including visa applications, citizenship preparation, and documentation assistance. We help clients navigate complex legal requirements while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Services prioritize long-term integration through personalized case management and community resource referrals.
Adult Education
NICE delivers adult education programs covering literacy, high school equivalency preparation, and digital literacy. Courses combine foundational skills with practical applications for career advancement. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving to empower learners in both personal and professional contexts.
Youth Education
We offer specialized programs to help refugee and immigrant children succeed in U.S. schools. Services include academic tutoring, cultural orientation, and social-emotional support. Our youth initiatives focus on building confidence, improving educational outcomes, and fostering peer connections through mentorship and extracurricular activities.
Social Services
NICE provides holistic social services addressing housing, employment, healthcare access, and family support. Case managers work one-on-one with clients to develop individualized plans for self-sufficiency. Programs emphasize long-term stability through resource coordination, advocacy, and connections to local community networks.
People
Dr. Gatluak Ter Thach
President & CEO
Founder of NICE and refugee rights advocate with expertise in organizational leadership. Holds a PhD in Strategic Planning and serves on multiple boards promoting immigrant integration and social justice.
Cindy Cunningham
Vice President of Finance and Operations
Over 30 years of corporate experience in finance and quality assurance. Manages NICE's financial operations and resettlement programs with a focus on sustainable organizational growth.
Idah Boyer
Director of Administration and Employee Services
Kenyan-born administrator with 15+ years at NICE. Oversees HR and administrative functions while leveraging multilingual skills (Swahili, English, Kikuyu) to support diverse staff and clients.
Ally Thomas
Director of Adult Education
Educator with international experience in museum programs and refugee integration. Leads NICE's English literacy initiatives and curriculum development for adult learners.
Rob Manauis
Associate Director of Youth Education
Peace education specialist with global teaching experience. Develops youth programs that combine cultural orientation with social-emotional learning to support immigrant children's academic success.
Questions
What services does NICE offer to refugees and immigrants?
NICE provides English classes, immigration assistance, adult education, employment support, youth programs, and social services to help newcomers integrate into Middle Tennessee communities.
How can I enroll in NICE's English language classes?
Visit our Adult Education page to sign up for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses tailored to adult learners at all proficiency levels.
Does NICE offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! We rely on volunteers for teaching, mentoring, and community outreach. Visit our Get Involved page to find opportunities matching your skills.
How is NICE funded?
NICE receives funding through federal grants, private donations, and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and ECDC.
Can NICE help with immigration paperwork?
Our immigration specialists assist with applications, citizenship preparation, and legal guidance. Visit our Immigration Services page for details.
