Every refugee family who arrives in the United States is connected with housing, employment, education and health services; however, some individuals benefit from additional support. Throughout the years, LSS/NCA has offered a range of special social programs to newcomers. The specific programs change depending on the needs of new arrivals and funding, but they are all designed to reinforce self-sufficiency and community integration. Moving beyond the essential resettlement services, clients explore with staff topics such as banking, parenting, and nutrition so their families are best prepared to succeed in the United States.

Refugee Women’s Empowerment Project

Refugee women are some of the most resilient women in the world. Despite enduring tremendous hardship and loss during the course of their journey, refugee women are eager to provide their families with the best opportunities this country has to offer. To support women in their efforts, LSS/NCA designed the Refugee Women’s Empowerment Project (RWEP).

RWEP is a combination of presentations, small group discussion and field trips designed to enhance women’s skills and build healthier, and more stable families as well as create friendships. Each month, refugee women and their mentors engage in meaningful dialogue about subjects that are important to them. Sessions focus on a range of topics from finding community resources and job readiness to parenting and domestic violence prevention. Some month’s activities are purely social to help build language skills and confidence.