Through the combined efforts of paid staff and a network of volunteers, the Refugee Office is able to provide assistance with housing, social services, health care, social security registration, school registration, and cultural and community orientation.  It also provides employment orientation and placement, interpretation and initial transportation to appointments.  Instruction in English as a Second Language is available through group classes and in-home volunteer tutors.

In addition, this Office assists refugee clients applying for family members to come to the United States through appropriate immigration services.  A year after their arrival, refugees qualify to file for their adjustment of status as permanent residents and five years later, they may file for their naturalization to become citizens of the United States. The Refugee Office helps them file their applications and walks them through the process.
 
HISTORY
Since 1975, the Refugee Office has assisted in the resettlement of more than 10,000 refugees from 27 nationalities.  The Refugee Office maintains a philosophy of early employment, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance to assure a smooth transition into our community. This Office has been recognized nationally for having excelled in refugee resettlement.  It was the recipient of the John E. McCarthy Memorial Award for Excellence in Services to Refugees, the Peace Award granted by the Charlotte Area Peace Corps Association in 2001, and various other awards from the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops Migration and Refugee Services for outstanding services to the Montagnards and for outstanding services and community support.

Donate Working Cars Transportation to the work site is essential to refugees. The Refugee Office accepts donations of cars that are in good working condition. All donations are tax deductible according to IRS rules and regulations. Please call 704-370-3286.