Forced to flee out of fear for their lives and liberty, refugees give up everything: home, belongings, family and country, for an uncertain future in a strange land. Their plight is one of the great tragedies of our time and is linked to political and human rights questions that are of concern to each and every one of us. ~ United Nations High Commission for Refugees
Refugees are families and individuals who have fled their countries of origin “because of a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.”
Refugees often live in refugee camps for years, enduring overcrowded conditions, very small rations of food, and little or no health care. Their children often cannot attend school, and adults have no means to independently support themselves or their families. Refugees arrive in the United States motivated to build a new life, and most refugees become self-sufficient within months of arriving. After ten years, studies show that refugees are usually as well-off as native-born Americans.
Programs and Services
The Refugee Resettlement Program provides direct resettlement for 90 days to ensure newly arrived refugees receive safety and stability and begin to achieve self-sufficiency, along with integration into their new communities, as soon as possible. Refugees arrive in this country with few material possessions. They initially need food, clothing, shelter and assistance in obtaining necessary documents, education, health care, and jobs. Resettlement assists refugees in adjusting to a new culture by offering individualized support and case management.
The Match Grant Program provides intensive job counseling, placement, and follow-up to employable refugees and their families.
The Refugee Cash Assistance Program provides job training, language classes, case management, and short-term financial assistance to young adults who are motivated to learn job training skills.
For I was a stranger and you welcomed me. –Matthew 25:35
