Area organizations serving refugees receive federal funding

The Refugee Support Services Program, funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, has awarded $20 million in funding to 17 community-based organizations that help refugees, including several across Central New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. The American Civic Association, Inc. in Binghamton received $148,742, The Center in Utica received $1.56 million, and Catholic Charities of Onondaga County was allocated $4.06 million. The Refugee Support Services Program provides services including addressing barriers to employment such as social and cultural adjustment, job-search skills, work experience, and English proficiency. Transitional services are also provided to ensure continued employment and to enhance opportunities for advancement. “The Refugee Support Services Program is essential to the refugee community in Oneida County and to the many employers who are growing their workforce,” The Center Executive Director Shelly Callahan said. “The Center serves thousands of clients each year to attain employment, integrate into our community, and become self-sufficient through the RSS program.” The state welcomed nearly 4,200 refugees of individuals on special immigrant visas between October 2022 and September 2023, with most of them resettling in upstate communities. Refugees are the most-vetted individuals to travel to the United States, undergoing numerous security checks by intelligence agencies, the governor’s office contends. Refugees living in New York earn an estimated $6.2 billion combined annually and contribute about $2 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, according to a study by the New American Economy.