Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio’s Refugee Resettlement program has welcomed refugees fleeing persecution, war, and violence, empowering them to build new lives and achieve self-sufficiency within a supportive community. Since 1980, Catholic Charities has helped thousands of refugees from around the globe settle in Greater Cincinnati, from early Vietnamese arrivals to recent newcomers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bhutan, Syria, Eritrea, and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders. Through our Refugee Resettlement program lives are transformed with dignity and opportunity.
Refugees are forced to flee their home country, cross an international border, and cannot return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Official refugee status is conferred through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The United Nations and the U.S. allow refugees to have protected status. The U.S. permits them to be here through a special visa. They are then expected to get their permanent residency status (green card) within a year of arrival and apply for citizenship after five years.
Refugees undergo a more rigorous vetting process than any other immigrant allowed into the U.S., a process that takes at least 24 months and includes background and security checks and medical assessments. On average, refugees wait 10 years before they are relocated to a new country. Less than one percent of refugees resettle in another country.
Case Management Services include:
Assisting individuals and families in navigating complex systems by advocating for them and connecting them to much needed resources in the community such as health, housing, employment, education, legal, and mental health services.
Case Management Services include:
Youth ages 15-24 are matched with a volunteer adult mentor to support their educational and vocational advancement and promote positive civic and social engagement. Mentors provide:
