While we often hear of the tremendous upheaval, trauma, war, violence, and threats to safety before arriving in the US, we forget about how once the refugees are in Maine, they are met with unforeseen and innumerable challenges– including a lack of understanding of US systems, inability to communicate, and lack of financial and social capital resources. These compounding factors often develop into significant challenges with mental health and wellness and increased social isolation. 

Every day our staff are helping clients overcome significant challenges. With the support of the JCA staff and with the hard work and dedication of our clients, we have seen countless families achieve self-sufficiency. Here are just a handful of the stories from this year:

• A Ukrainian single mother experienced a breakdown with her sponsor. Thanks to the Preferred Communities (PC) funding, this client was able to secure immediate safe housing, receive essential support (food, clothing, hygiene products), and access case management services to help them regain stability and work toward a long-term housing solution. This assistance provided a critical safety net in an emergency and enabled the client to move forward, rebuild their life, and work toward self-sufficiency.

• The Refugee and Newcomer Health and Medical (RNHM) Team at the JCA supported three clients with significant medical conditions through a coordinated care approach where multiple providers worked together to ensure that the patient was receiving comprehensive, patient-centric care. The RNHM Team conducted prearrival reviews of medical records and made the appropriate prearrival referrals to both primary care providers and specialists. The RNHM Team coordinated meetings with providers to ensure care would be provided seamlessly from the airport pickup to the initial admission, to the hospital, and follow-up care after the initial Refugee Medical Screening Intake and Referral.

• Refugee Resettlement and Newcomer Services (RRNS) at the JCA helped secure temporary housing for an unhoused single mother of three, providing funds for the client’s security deposit and first month of rent. Furthermore, the client has secured part-time employment with the property management agency that housed her.



• A single mother faced a period of housing instability; after two months of support, the client was approved for an apartment. The JCA team assisted the client in moving to her new home and in acquiring the necessary furniture. At her most recent check-in, the client discussed how her renewed housing stability has allowed her to return to her online GED classes and start saving for a car as she begins the process of getting a driver’s license.