Refugee Resettlement Services
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
(Matthew 25:35)
Services We Offer
Case Management
Case Management is provided to all clients by assessing their health and human needs. This includes, but is not limited to, referral to community providers and local benefits.
Cultural Orientation
Learning about the American culture is essential to integration. We offer Cultural Orientation to clients to aid in their journey to success in this country.
Immigration Assistance
We offer legal assistance and representation for our clients navigating the labyrinth of federal visa and immigration paperwork.
Job Placement
Our goal is to enable the refugee to attain early self-sufficiency. We must keep in mind that refugees were at one time self-sufficient in their native countries. They wish only to regain that self-sufficiency. Job training and placement efforts are a critical part of achieving that.
Eligibility Requirements
Documents needed when applying:
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Who are Refugees?
The United Nations has defined refugees as those who have fled their native country because of political, religious pressures and human rights abuses. Alone and with no possessions or home to return to, refugees today live in substandard camps where they remain at the mercy of others for all their basic needs.
Like our refugee ancestors, the refugees of today seek safe-haven from untold suffering in their native lands. Although cultural differences exist between us, refugees experience the same needs, hopes and dreams that we do. They look to us for relief from the terror and oppression they have been forced to endure.
What is sponsorship?
There are various church-affiliated organizations who provide resettlement opportunities to refugees. Acting in cooperation with our government, these agencies share the goal of ensuring refugee self-sufficiency.
Before entering the United States each refugee family must have a sponsor. To accomplish this, these church-affiliated agencies, which include The U.S. Catholic Conference, Church World Service, etc., match refugees with local churches who wish to sponsor.
What are the legal and financial obligations of a sponsor?
As a sponsor, you are assuming no legal or financial obligation. At the most it is a moral commitment to help your neighbor.
Is it Difficult to Sponsor a Refugee Family?
No, sponsorship involves locating housing and employment and providing the basic needs to refugees during the initial stages of the family’s life in their new community. Migration and Refugee Services will provide supportive assistance to sponsors as well as refugees when needed and requested.
Who can Act as a Sponsor?
An individual or community group such as a parish, church society or civic organization. The group approach seems to work best in assimilating the new family into the adoptive community. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please contact the individual listed on the back of this brochure. She will work with you to make certain that the resettlement of the refugee family will occur smoothly.
What are the general responsibilities of sponsorship?
- Housing — To locate housing and food for the refugee family. Arrangements for housing must be complete prior to the arrival of the refugee family.
- Furnishings — Many refugees will arrive without personal funds or belongings. Sponsors should be prepared to locate or provide assistance in the form of clothing, housewares, bedding, etc.
- Employment — Provide assistance in finding employment. Efforts must be made to secure employment for the employable adult for it is important that refugees become self-sufficient as soon after their arrival as possible.
- Education — Arrange school enrollment for the children. Help the adults find an opportunity to learn English or improve their knowledge of it.
Our Staff
Office Locations
Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services-Martinsburg
- Contact: Nicole Annan
Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services-Morgantown
- Director: Kellie Rogers