A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
Refugee Resettlement Process
After fleeing their homes and being identified by UNHCR, refugees who are selected for referral to the U.S. are vetted by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
On average, the screening process can take anywhere from 18-24 months (and sometimes longer) depending on a refugee’s region of origin. After being approved, one of the nine national refugee resettlement agencies works with their local network of resettlement affiliates to place a refugee in their community.
What We Do
Refugees are people who cannot return to their homeland due to a well-founded fear of persecution. They may be persecuted for their religious or political beliefs. Many flee from war, genocide or brutality by a military regime.
In the past two years we have resettled over 200 refugees from around the world to southern Maine– their new home. Our programs and comprehensive services assist refugees in becoming engaged U.S. citizens. Refugees bring optimism, hope and unique vibrancy that enriches our local community. Our multi-cultural, multi-lingual staff provides comprehensive services – starting from picking up refugees at the airport, registering children in school, and finding initial employment.
Staff walk with families as they learn to navigate healthcare, social services, and life decisions in their new home.
We work closely with them to ensure that each individual achieves independence and is a productive member of our society. We help refugees resettle here safely, learn English, gain employment and become valued, contributing members of our community.
The success of this program is based on community partnerships with employers, volunteers, landlords, school districts, donors, and community-based organizations. We depend on our community to assist in the successful resettlement of refugees.
Welcoming Our New Neighbors
Join us to help make southern Maine home for New Americans! The JFS refugee resettlement program assists refugees as they begin a new life in our community.
Experience the JOY of helping a refugee family start a new life on the path to independence when you:
- Donate household goods
- Mobilize your congregation and community
- Sponsor an individual family
- Educate and advocate
- Organize a fundraising or goods drive (contact us to find out what is needed)
What We need
We are continually restocking inventory to allow us to furnish apartments for new refugee arrivals. JFS receives short notice, sometimes only twenty-four hours before pick up at the airport, and therefore need to have supplies on hand.
Get Involved
Donate funds
Please consider a donation to the JCA’s HIAS program today so that we can continue to provide the warmest welcome to our newest neighbors.
Donate Items
Refugees arriving in the Maine need everything from furniture to cookware, cleaning supplies to appropriate winter clothing. You can help by donating new or used items in good condition!
Volunteers are crucial to our Refugee Resettlement work; helping families to find housing, get settled, get items they need, and even finding meaningful employment. Contact Adam Seigal for more information about volunteering at the JCA.