<p> Lutheran Children and Family Service Refugee Resettlement Program</p><p>About Us Lutheran Children and Family Service (LCFS) is a faith-based social ministry organization serving individuals throughout central and southeastern Pennsylvania. LCFS is committed to serving vulnerable children and families in partnership with churches and others in the local and world community.</p><p>The LCFS Refugee Resettlement Program is a local affiliate of the national Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, which assists refugees and asylees through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State. Through offices in Philadelphia and Lancaster, LCFS provides services in case processing, reception and placement, employment assistance, counseling for torture survivors, ESL classes, and an unaccompanied refugee minor foster care program.</p><p>Welcoming the Stranger “Refugee” is a legal term given to anyone who is unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution, based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. There are currently over 19 million refugees scattered throughout the world.</p><p>Once forced to flee their homeland, refugees often gather in refugee camps waiting for an opportunity to return to their homes. Some remain isolated in these camps for months, years, and even generations. Others wander throughout neighboring countries, unable to be granted citizenship or other basic human rights. Still others are granted legal admission into a country of refuge (such as the United States), and gradually rebuild their lives in a new country.</p><p>< over > When a refugee family arrives to the area, LCFS is responsible for gathering available resources, finding housing and employment, and general cultural orientation. Our agency also encourages local churches and civic organizations to become involved in welcoming these newcomers to our community. As we reach out to these vulnerable individuals, we extend the message of Christ’s love for the stranger, and learn from each other in the process. Two Types of Refugee Cases LCFS welcomes refugees from a variety of countries, ethnic groups, and communities. In recent years, our largest groups of arrivals have been Meskhetian Turks, Liberians, Sudanese, Iraqis, and Burmese. There are two different types of cases that arrive through our office:</p><p> Family Reunifications: This is a case in which the arriving refugees has an “anchor relative” already living in the U.S. who has agreed to assist with the resettlement process. They are responsible for arranging housing, providing food/clothing, and general assistance for the basic needs of their arriving family members. However, this can quickly become an overwhelming responsibility, and volunteers are often needed to assist with various needs that may arise.  Free Cases: This is a case in which the arriving refugees have no known relative or friend to assist in their resettlement. In these circumstances, LCFS looks for congregations or volunteer groups to take on the responsibilities of Co-Sponsorship. Through partnership with LCFS, the congregation acts as a facilitator to make sure that all necessary services are provided for the refugee family. More information about co-sponsorship can be found in this packet.</p><p>Getting Involved There are many ways that you or your church group can assist refugees. We are always in need of material donations (beds, furniture, welcome boxes, etc.) to provide for arriving families. Additionally, volunteers to provide transportation services, English tutoring, cultural orientation, and other support services are also needed.</p><p>231 N. 63rd Street 123 E. Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 Lancaster, PA 17602 (215) 747-7500 (717) 397-4757 www.lcfsrefugees.blogs.com For larger groups looking for a higher level of involvement with a family, we encourage you to consider Co-Sponsorship. It is important to emphasize that Co-Sponsorship is NOT an indefinite commitment. Congregations agree to provide financial support and other forms of assistance for a specific amount of time, generally four months. Since the ultimate goal for all new arrivals is self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community, co-sponsorship must encourage a transition towards independence as quickly as possible. As a refugee ceases to be a refugee and develops into a friend and contributing member of our community, we are all enriched.</p><p>Please contact our offices if you would like more information!</p><p>231 N. 63rd Street 123 E. Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 Lancaster, PA 17602 (215) 747-7500 (717) 397-4757 www.lcfsrefugees.blogs.com</p>