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Contact Information |
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Holly Johnson, Department Director Refugee & Immigration Services 10 South 6th Street Nashville, TN 37206 Phone: 615.259.3567 Fax: 615.259.2851 HJohnson@cctenn.org For more details visit the department website at: www.risvolunteers.org. |
Holly Johnson with Veton Novosella and his family (from Kosovo) |
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Welcoming and serving diverse populations, we strive to meet human needs and respect
(Mission of the Department of Refugee and Immigration Services, Catholic Charities of TN, Inc.) |
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The language capacities of the Refugee
& Immigration Services staff include English, |
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EVENTS
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| PROGRAMS AND SERVICES | |
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Refugee Resettlement | Refugee
Social Services
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Refugee Youth Program
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REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT: Refugees are individuals who have a "well-founded fear of persecution". Specifically, this means that they are targeted because of their religious or political beliefs, or their social standing or membership in a particular social class. Refugees must flee their countries to save their lives, usually leaving with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They often live in refugee camps for years, enduring harsh weather, very small rations of food, and little or no health care. Their children often cannot attend school. Refugees arrive in the United States with usually just a small duffle bag of belongings. Within months, however, these refugees are completely self-sufficient, and through their hard work and drive to succeed, studies show that after ten years, refugees are as well off as native-born Americans. Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program, a local affiliate of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services, provides core resettlement services to newly arrived refugee individuals and families. Through our Reception and Placement Program refugees secure housing, food, clothing and other basic needs; assistance in accessing education, social services and health care; and employment services. Within 90 days, most refugees are well on their way toward self-sufficiency. Our Match Grant Program provides intensive job counseling, placement and follow-up to employable refugees and their families. In addition to serving refugees resettled by our Reception and Placement Program, we are also able to assist asylees, entrants, and victims of trafficking with appropriate documentation. |
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TESTIMONIALS:
"I would like to express my deepest appreciation for all the help and humanity provided by you and your staff. Since we arrived in this country, you have gone out of your way to help my family. It is more appreciated than I can ever express in words. You have made me feel welcome since day one. I also would like everyone to know how much I respect the government and United States society. Without the help of the U.S. government and the people of this society, my family would have experienced a very difficult adjustment period in this country. My hope is that we will continue to adjust and become an asset to the country that made us feel so welcome. It is my sincere hope that I will be able to return something to the country that has been so wonderful to my family. Again, thank you for everything you have done for us. It will never be forgotten. May god bless you." "We have to be able to communicate and integrate. If we want to work, we must have this knowledge." - Elders Group participant "We were in the dark before, and now we feel we are in the light." - Elders Group participant "We have gotten such good knowledge from the program. This knowledge will allow us to do everything we want to do. We enjoy reading, writing and all the new knowledge." - Elders Group participant |
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| REFUGEE SOCIAL SERVICES: While the majority of refugees we serve are self-sufficient 120 days after arrival, some may still have barriers to overcome. Additionally, second migrants (refugees that arrive in Nashville from their original US resettlement sight) also face additional struggles. To serve these unique needs, Catholic Charities operates a program aiding refugees that need assistance beyond their initial resettlement by providing employment services, referral to English classes, and intensive case management. For further information on this program, contact Asrar Babikir at 259-3567, X788. | |
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REFUGEE YOUTH PROGRAM: Catholic Charities strives to meet the unique needs of refugee teenagers through after-school and summer programs. The Refugee Youth Program provides opportunities for academic enrichment, community service, and cultural activities. The program also offers communication skill building activities for the teens and their parents. For more information, contact Jennifer Escue at 615-259-3567 x 784. |
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IDA PROGRAM: Assets such as homes and cars are essential components of reaching self-sufficiency and long-term financial stability. With over 20 years' experience in helping refugees reach self-sufficiency through social services, the Refugee IDA Program gives Catholic Charities a complimentary program of financial services to provide to our clients, as well as other refugees in the Nashville area. This program is designed to help low-income refugees build assets and financial savvy. It is a savings program that helps refugees purchase a specific asset. As refugees deposit their earnings into a savings account every month, Catholic Charities will deposit an equal amount of money into a "parallel account" for the refugee individual or household. When the refugee individual or household is ready to make a purchase toward their pre-approved savings goal (home purchase, higher education, or small business), they will get to spend the money in both accounts! For more information about this program call Kerry Marks at 259-3567 x772. |
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PARISH & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM:
Our Parish and Community Partnership Program offers unique volunteer opportunities for congregations and community groups. Catholic Charities staff
will guide your group in preparing for a refugee family's arrival and through the first three months of that family's life in Nashville. Volunteers help with preparing the refugee family's apartment, meeting the family at the airport, helping them acculturate to their new life, and addressing special family needs. Volunteerism of this nature provides the opportunity to utilize a variety of gifts and invites participation by a diverse range of persons within the congregation or group. For more information about how you and your congregation or group can participate in this rewarding opportunity, please call
Kerry Marks at 259.3567 x772.
"The grandeur of it all is overwhelming to me...." |
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| VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
| We have opportunities that fit a variety of schedules and interests. See www.risvolunteers.org for detailed volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, parishes, and company projects. For example: | |
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REFUGEE ELDERS PROGRAM: Nashville is home to many
senior citizens who are refugees from around the world. These
wonderful people have overcome myriad obstacles but now are at risk
for poverty, changing roles, language difficulties, and loss of
their native community. In many cases, Refugee elders depend on
their children to help provide, yet their children adapt to new
roles more quickly, leaving their elderly parents to fend for
themselves. Targeted assistance is needed to improve their quality
of life. Twice weekly, Refugee Elders meet from 9:30 - 12:00 noon.
English as a Second Language (ESL) with a certified instructor
provides the foundation, whilte field trips, physical exercise,
arts, free congregate meals and game encourage socialization,
self-sufficiency and acculturation. For more information , please call
Kerry Marks at 259.3567 x772. "NASHVILLE'S WORLD TABLE" COOKBOOK: Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services is proud to announce the publication of "Nashville's World Table", a collection of refugee women's recipes and stories from eleven countries. Copies may be obtained by contacting Kerry Marks at 615.259.3567 x 772.A donation of $15 per book is suggested. |
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LINKS: Refugee Resettlement
Cultural Orientation
Refugee Youth
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