News from New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance

For more information contact: Anthony Farmer, 518-474-9516

State Announces $12 Million In Refugee Assistance

Funding To Help With Employment

ALBANY, NY (02/15/2008; 1230)(readMedia)-- The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced that nearly $12 million in funding is being awarded to help refugees adapt to their new home in New York.

“Most refugees enter the U.S. with few resources and face many obstacles to becoming self-sufficient,” said OTDA Commissioner David A. Hansell. “These funds can make the transition easier for families by helping them gain employment more quickly, with the goal of becoming economically independent.”

Sixteen agencies across the state are receiving funding from OTDA’s Refugee Social Services Program (RSSP). RSSP provides job preparation and job placement services to refugees or other eligible persons during the first five years after they arrive in the United States, or from the date that their eligible immigration status is granted. Services are also provided following job placement to ensure continued employment, and to enhance opportunities for advancement. Services include job coaching, resume preparation, English as a second language, personal budgeting and financial management, and supportive services for employers, including mediation and acculturation.

“New York has a long history of embracing those from other countries coming here to start a new life,” Commissioner Hansell said. “These programs build on that history and are designed to help refugees move closer to realizing the American dream.”

In the past five years, about 13,000 refugees and other persons in similar circumstance have arrived in New York State.

The following agencies are receiving funds through RSSP:

Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees, Inc.|Utica|$720,738

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester (d/b/a Catholic Family Center)|Rochester|$763,134

Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse|Syracuse|$77,010

Journey’s End Refugee Services, Inc.|Buffalo|$710,550

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants|Albany|$165,180

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre|Hicksville|$310,092

Catholic Charities of Buffalo|Buffalo|$622,731

Syracuse City School District|Syracuse|$1,661,100

Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton-Manhattan Beach, Inc.|Brooklyn|$727,290

Federation Employment & Guidance (d/b/a FEGS Health & Human Services)|Manhattan|$793,800

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.|Queens|$919,941

New York Association for New Americans, Inc.|Manhattan|$1,082,457

International Rescue Committee, Inc.|Manhattan|$1,022,868

CAMBA, Inc.|Brooklyn|$761,622

Chinatown Manpower Project, Inc.|Manhattan|$827,850

Edith & Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, Inc.|Brooklyn|$803,250

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