Refugee Youth and Family

New refugee program focuses on preservation of family

Naples—A new Catholic Charities program will serve refugee families located in Collier County by focusing on the preservation of the entire family as part of an overall goal of achieving economic self-sufficiency and effective resettlement.

While most refugee programs assist the adults with adjusting to the American culture and obtaining employment, this program is all about the children. The Refugee Youth and Family Program is a comprehensive approach to achieving success through school performance, career development and empowerment of the family.

According to Sharon Kirkpatrick, Education Director for the program, services for clients include homework help and tutoring for students; family and individual counseling; career planning and support services; parent education; cultural and educational, family-centered field trips and activities; and school liaison services.

For example, Kirkpatrick said, a single mom from Columbia has sought assistance for her 14-year-old daughter with tutoring and guidance on what courses to take next year in high school. A former nurse in her homeland, she also is enrolled in the program to make the necessary steps to pursue her nursing career in Florida, and she plans to take parenting classes.

“She is so grateful for all the services she is receiving that she has become our number one referral source,” Kirkpatrick said. “She wants to share with others what our program offers.”

An Open House was recently held at the program’s new office located at 5251 Golden Gate Parkway, Suite B, to introduce the Refugee Youth and Family Program to the community. Kirkpatrick said representatives from local organizations, government agencies and the Collier County Public School system attended.

Volunteers are needed for the program as tutors, mentors, reception/office assistance, career planning, and to assist with conversational English for children and adults. Volunteer event planners are needed to plan quarterly activities that improve acculturation of refugee families. High school students are also welcome to apply.

Last year, Catholic Charities served over 1,200 refugees/entrants who came to Southwest Florida to start a new life. Many refugees flee their homeland because of the threat of death and/or oppression.

Catholic Charities is one of the largest providers of refugee programs in Florida, which also include Refugee Employed and Productive, Match Grant, Refugee Resettlement, Employability Status Assistance, and Cuban and Haitian programs. These services, which help refugees to resettle into the American culture and find employment, are funded by grants from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Office of Refugee Services and the United States Council of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C.

For more information about the Refugee Youth and Family Program of Catholic Charities or to volunteer, please call 239-455-0520.

Photo: The Refugee Youth and Family Program of Catholic Charities offers tutoring, mentoring and advocacy for clients.