What We Do

When we resettle a refugee family, we provide certain essential services to them over the course of their first 90 days here:

  • Ensuring they have a Social Security Number  
  • Providing cultural orientation  
  • Enrolling any school-aged children in school  
  • Providing medical screening, helping them address any existing medical conditions, and ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations  
  • Providing basic clothing (seasonally appropriate)  
  • Finding them suitable housing and providing required basic furnishings, including but not limited to:  
    • Beds for every family member  
    • Dresser for each bedroom  
    • Dining table and chairs  
    • Appropriate comfortable seating for living room  
    • Basic kitchenware (dishes, pots/pans, cutlery, food prep tools)  
    • Sheets, blankets, towels  
    • Cleaning products
  • Enrolling them in English classes  
  • Providing employment services such as:  
    • Signing them up for training opportunities  
    • Assisting clients with developing resumes  
    • Supporting them with applying for jobs  
    • Coordinating with other employment service providers  
  • Enrolling them for benefits.  Depending upon eligibility, these may include:  
    • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)  
    • Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  
    • Food Stamps (SNAP)  
    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  
    • General Assistance  
    • MaineCare  

Of course, we always strive to go beyond this basic list to make these families more comfortable.  If you would like to help us to smooth a new family’s arrival, consider volunteering or making a donation. 

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