Happy Dog Takes On Empowering Our Refugees 4.03.2024

In the United States, more than 60,000 refugees arrived in 2023, outpacing the prior two years. In January of this year, the greatest number admitted were arriving from nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, and Afghanistan--a reflection of increasing global conflict and war.
Resettlement for newcomers and their families is a daunting task as they start their new lives with limited resources, and away from the lives they once knew. Yet, according to Re:Source Cleveland (formerly known as Refugee Response), resettled refugees are expected to acculturate, acquire English language skills, and become self-sufficient within three months of arriving.
Just in February, Cuyahoga County opened its new Welcome Center in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood. A beginning step in their Newcomer Navigator Program. The facility will serve as a multi-service center, providing access to workforce training, educational services, healthcare, legal support, housing, language services, and more. With a goal to become a "Certified Welcoming" community, how can Cleveland empower the region’s growing newcomer population?
Join the City Club as we hear from Re:Source Cleveland, as well as newcomers themselves, on what is needed to support all refugees as they become engaged members of their new communities.
Panelists
Tina M. Coleman, MPAL
Multi-Systems Coordinator and Outreach Supervisor, Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services
Patrick Kearns
Executive Director, Re:Source Cleveland
Aziza Salukombo
Vice President, Cleveland Congolese Youth Community
Luis Vizcarrondo
Senior Pastor, Refine Church
Moderator
Gulnar Feerasta (she/they)
Managing Director, LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland