The Impact of Catholic Charities Refugee Services on Refugee Communities

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is dedicated to welcoming refugees and helping them rebuild their lives in the United States. As the Nevada Office for Refugees, the organization works closely with the Federal and State Offices to provide a range of services to refugees and refugee-eligible populations. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and impact that Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada have on the refugee community within Southern Nevada.

History of Catholic Charities Refugee Program

In the current fiscal year, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has welcomed 2,394 refugees and refugee-eligible individuals from countries such as Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iraq. The organization also provides ongoing assistance to refugees for their first five years in the United States, helping them become self-sufficient and lead independent lives as quickly as possible.

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The Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) program at Catholic Charities provides a range of refugee assistance programs, including food, shelter, clothing, health services, cultural orientation, case management, employment services, education, and citizenship classes. The goal of MRS is to help refugees become self-sufficient and successful in their new lives in America.

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Catholic Charities offers several different refugee assistance programs in Southern Nevada. Additionally, Catholic Charities partners with local organizations to offer legal services and other resources to refugees in need. With these programs, Catholic Charities is committed to helping refugees rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient members of their new community.

Citizenship Classes Program

For refugees who have fled their home countries due to persecution, becoming a United States citizen can be a powerful symbol of their commitment to building a new life in a country that offers them safety and security. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada offers citizenship classes as part of their Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) program to help refugees on their path to becoming American citizens.

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Catholic Charities' Citizenship Program offers free in-person and online classes to refugees and other eligible populations who are on the pathway to naturalization. The program is designed to help individuals prepare for the citizenship test and interview by providing information on U.S. history and government, as well as opportunities to practice interview questions. Classes are available Monday through Thursday in the afternoon, and tutoring with an instructor is available by appointment.

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Citizenship classes at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada provide refugees with the tools and resources they need to pass the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization exam. The classes cover a range of topics, including U.S. history and government, English language proficiency, and interview skills. The classes are designed to be accessible to refugees with varying levels of English language proficiency, and they are taught by experienced instructors who understand the unique needs and challenges of the refugee community.

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Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important step for helping those in need as it provides them with a sense of belonging and security in their new home country. It also opens up new opportunities for employment, travel, and civic engagement. The Citizenship Program at Catholic Charities helps refugees achieve this important milestone by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the citizenship test and interview. By participating in the refugee assistance program, refugees can gain confidence in their ability to navigate the naturalization process and become active members of their new community.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important milestone for refugees, as it provides them with a sense of belonging and identity in their new country. It also offers them a range of practical benefits, such as the ability to vote and run for office, the opportunity to travel more freely, and access to certain jobs and government benefits. Additionally, becoming a U.S. citizen provides refugees with a greater sense of security and stability, as it ensures that they will not be deported or separated from their families.

How to Give Back to Our Refugee Assistance Programs

One of the ways that individuals can support the MRS program at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is by making a monetary donation towards general resettlement needs. Additionally, individuals can become a youth mentor to assist refugee youth ages 15-24 or provide rental property contacts to assist with housing needs.

While Catholic Charities provides excellent online English Language classes for refugees, many of them need additional help with practicing their English conversation skills. Volunteering to help with the English Tutor Program is an opportunity for volunteers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees by offering conversation practice and building confidence in their language abilities.

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Volunteering as an English tutor can be a fun and rewarding experience for volunteers. As a tutor, you can choose your own schedule and meet with refugees at a time that works for both parties. You will have the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with refugees and learn about their cultures and backgrounds. Moreover, you will be helping refugees to improve their English language skills, which can greatly improve their chances of finding employment and becoming self-sufficient.

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Volunteers are not required to have teaching experience, but it is helpful to have a strong command of the English language. Catholic Charities will provide volunteers with training and resources to help them become effective English tutors. Additionally, volunteers can choose to work one-on-one with refugees or join a conversation group, which provides a fun and supportive environment for refugees to practice their English language skills.

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Volunteering with the English Tutor Program is a great way to give back to the community and support refugees as they rebuild their lives in America. With your help, refugees can gain the language skills they need to thrive in their new home country.

Catholic Charities Commitment to Refugee Communities

As a recognized Nevada Office of Refugees, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is one of three local agencies to carry out resettlement services in the state of Nevada. The organization works closely with the federal and state government to ensure that refugees receive the support and services they need to rebuild their lives in America.

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The MRS program at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is a testament to the organization's commitment to welcoming refugees and helping them become successful and self-sufficient members of their new communities. By providing a range of services, including food, shelter, clothing, and employment services, the program helps refugees achieve their goals and build a new life in America.

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Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada's Migration and Refugee Services program is dedicated to welcoming refugees and providing them with the support and services they need to rebuild their lives in America. Individuals can play a crucial role in helping refugees become self-sufficient and successful in their new lives by supporting the program through monetary donations, youth mentorship, and housing contacts. If you’re interested in helping Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada assist our community, please visit our website to learn more or give us a call at 702.383.8387. 

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