Resettlement
Lutheran Services of Georgia resettles between 300 and 450 refugees each year. Refugees have fled from danger at home and cannot return because they may be persecuted, tortured, or murdered due to membership in a particular social group. Our resettlement program assists refugees from anywhere in the world without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, age, or gender.
We are responsible for the refugees first 180 days in the US, and most of our services are provided within the first four months. We create the refugee familys first home, help them to secure the documents they and their children need for work and school, develop work opportunities for them, and guide them through their first experiences in a new culture. Our ultimate goal is to help the family achieve economic self-sufficiency and successful integration into their new community and new country. We are all enriched as refugees make the transition from new arrivals to contributing members of our community.
Pre-arrival: When an arrival is confirmed, a case manager or co-sponsor locates an apartment and pays the deposit and first months rent. We stock the apartment with all of the furnishings the family will need, including mattresses, a table and chairs, a couch, linens, dishes, and cooking utensils. Most items are donated, many by our local Lutheran congregations.
Arrival: One of our staff or a co-sponsor greets the new arrivals at the airport (often in the middle of the night!) and takes them to their new home. We ensure that they have eaten, or know how to prepare some of the food in their new home, and that they know how to contact us in case of an emergency. They are also given a small cash grant.Orientation: The next few days are a whirlwind of activity, as the newcomers are helped to obtain social security cards, health services, and school registration, as well as to meet other basic needs. The family is introduced to the public transportation system, and learns where to shop for groceries and other necessities. At least one additional home visit takes place during the first 30 days.
Referrals: The newcomers may be referred to other LSG programs, including English Language Instruction, Matching Grant Early Self-Sufficiency Program, and Employment Services. If they have special needs, they may also be referred to mainstream programs and services.
Becoming employed: Most important is the assistance refugees receive in finding employment that can help achieve rapid economic self-sufficiency. Our Employment Servicesand Matching Grant programs ensure that almost 100% of LSG's resettled adult refugees are employed within 8 weeks of their arrival. We are proud to add that some have gained employment within our agency and provide a valuable source of support and understanding to our future clients.
Funding: The US Office of Refugee Resettlement provides the funding for the Refugee Resettlement Program.