REFUGEE SERVICES
FOSTER CARE FOR REFUGEE YOUTH/El Programa de Cuidado Temporal Para Jóvenes Refugiados Lo Necesita. Loving foster families urgently needed. Click or brochure in English or Español.
Updated list of countries for the Family Reunification Program (File an Affidavit of Relationship).
Summary of Services:
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• Sponsorship, welcoming and resettling
of refugees from camps throughout the world.
• Includes case management, cultural orientation,
cash assistance, language training, job readiness
preparation, and appropriate referrals to education,
health care, and immigration legal service providers.
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Who is eligible?
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• Documented refugees accepted by the US
government for resettlement in the United States.
• Family members in Santa Clara County who
intend to sponsor their relative(s) into the U.S.
from a refugee camp overseas.
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Is there a waiting list?
Fewer than 1 percent of the refugees in camps are
accepted by Western countries for resettlement. Refugees
often wait in camps for as long as 10 year before being
interviewed for consideration. The lucky few who are
accepted are then processed by the United States government.
Upon arrival at a U.S. airport, Catholic Charities welcomes
and resettles them immediately.
Are there any fees?
No, but relative sponsors are naturally expected to
assist with housing and caring for their arriving family
members.
What languages are spoken?
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• Arabic
• Bosnian
• English
• Farsi
• French |
• German
• Hindi
• Ilokana
• Greek
• Italian
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• Mandarin
• Mende
• Nepali
• Portuguese
• Spanish
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• Tagalog
• Vietnamese
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What volunteer opportunities are available?
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• Volunteers are needed to tutor individuals
or small groups of refugees in English conversation
skills.
• Faith communities, parishes, churches
or other groups are invited to partner with Catholic
Charities in co-sponsoring refugees.
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Frequently asked questions:
Q: What is the difference
between a refugee and an immigrant?
A: Immigrants are persons
who chose to leave their home country and come to America
through an orderly process governed by law, with strict
quotas, waiting lists and eligibility criteria. Refugees
are persons fleeing the chaos of war and persecution;
they cannot return to their homelands. Most are women
and children. All have lost family, jobs, homes and
support systems. Refugees entering the US are persons
who were individually selected by the US government
for permanent resettlement here. Catholic Charities
then welcomes and resettles them.
Q: How could I help a
refugee?
A: Become a volunteer;
or send a check; or donate a used vehicle (325-5215);
or rent your extra bedroom to a refugee! Invite your
church to explore sponsoring a refugee. Talk with your
employer about making a tax-deductible contribution.
Or give us a call to discuss your interests (325-5155
and 325-5170).
Other:
Refugees are survivors; they are highly motivated to
build a new life here. They need help in their first
year in the US, but they bring with them many gifts.
Einstein was a refugee!
"Welcoming Strangers" is central to all the
world's major religions. It's a great way to put your
faith into practice!
Service sites and hours of operation:
2625 Zanker Rd, San Jose, CA 95134-2107
Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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