JCA Approved as HIAS Refugee Resettlement Partner
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine Approved as HIAS Refugee Resettlement Partner
For Immediate Release
October 22, 2021 – Portland, ME
Last week, HIAS announced that the Department of State has approved seven new resettlement locations that will be part of HIAS’ national resettlement network to help provide homes and support for refugees when they arrive in the United States. The new locations, including Portland, Maine, are spread across the nation, a sign that there is a place for refugees everywhere in the United States and in Maine. With the addition of these new sites HIAS is now helping refugees in 24 metropolitan areas across the country.
“We see this work as a return to first principles for the Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services program, which resettled Russian refugees in the 1990’s and has continued active outreach and engagement with those most in need in our community, including many new arrivals, through our food and diaper pantries,” said Molly Curren Rowles, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Alliance, “We could not be more proud and excited to work together with HIAS. This is an important expansion of the JCA’s work, and a way to make powerful impact reflecting our values and ethical commitments.”
“HIAS is more than ready to welcome refugees and to provide support for them to thrive,” said Mark Hetfield, president and CEO of HIAS. “We salute these communities for doing their part in providing refugees a safe place to resettle and begin a new life. We look forward to working with these affiliates to welcome these new Americans.”
Other new or returning resettlement partners and locations include: Tucson, AZ; Skokie, IL; Tulsa, OK; Miami, FL; North Port, FL; and Niagara Falls, NY. All of these locations will be receiving and placing refugees within their communities and providing essential support after refugees are resettled in their new homes.
To speak with the Jewish Community Alliance about our work to resettle refugees, please contact Molly Curren Rowles.
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HIAS is an international Jewish humanitarian organization that provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers in 16 countries. We advocate for the rights of refugees to rebuild their lives and seek to create a world in which they find welcome, safety, and opportunity. Learn more at hias.org
The Jewish Community Alliance in Portland brings together the work of the Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services, the Portland JCC, and the Southern Maine Jewish Federation to support a dynamic, flourishing, and engaged Jewish community throughout Southern Maine. Learn more at www.mainejewish.org.
Hello, i recently saw a tv news piece about the HIAS program. I would like to volunteer in some capacity. Please let me know when volunteer opportunities arise.
Thank You,
Chris Sumberg
Cornville, ME
Hello JCA Folks!
I was so pleased to learn about the new HIAS affiliation! I understand that the program is getting staffed but I’m wondering if you are able to anticipate whether refugees will be resettled in the Bath-Brunswick area? If so, I would propose to Beth Israel Congegation (as co-chair of the Social Action Committee) that we form a Welcome Circle to support the new families. Along with the MidCoast New Mainers Group of which I am a board member, congregants were very involved in resettlement support 2 1/2 years ago with the asylum seekers who had been at the Expo. Several members have expressed interest in this endeavor.
Thanks!