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:
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- 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.
