NEWS: NH Healthy Kids Silver premiums increasing as of October 1, 2009.
Refugee Health Information Network- go here for health information in multiple languages and information about health services for refugees.
Also see Multi-Cultural Resources for Health Information. Cultural competency to laws, policies and standards. Provides online translation tool links.
Looking for something to help you talk to a refugee family about preparing for emergencies? Try Capital Area Prepares. Scroll to the bottom for Non-English Speakers. Languages include Arabic, Kirundi, Kurdish, Nepali and Somali!
Flashcards in a number of different languages that focus on health vocabulary and education.
Helping refugee youth reduce their chances of engaging in crime.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
URGENT ADVOCACY NEEDED!
From the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy at Lutheran Social Services of New England:
In the next few days, the US Senate Sub-Committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Committee will focus on funding the US Refugee Resettlement programs. New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg is a member of this committee. It is imperative that as many New Hampshire residents as possible contact him about this matter AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You can do this by either sending a message through his web site http://gregg.senate.gov, (click on "contact") or by phone (202) 224-3324. I think everyone is aware of the financial struggles associated with trying to do an adequate job of refugee resettlement. Now is the time to send a strong message to our federal policy makers that it is time to finally support this program at a reasonable level.
The "sticking point" seems to be an impression that last year's congressional appropriation was $633.4 mil, thus the President's request for $740.7 mil appears to be too large a jump. But this is NOT the case. The actual budget for refugee resettlement last year was $706.1 mil due to a carry-over from unspent funds which accumulated during a time of low numbers of arriving refugees.
Copied below is the message I recently sent to Sen. Gregg. However, use your own words when writing or calling.
"Dear Senator Gregg: I am writing to you as a citizen of New Hampshire and also as an employee of an organization which contracts with the federal government to resettle refugees in New Hampshire (Lutheran Social Services). As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Sub-Committee, you will soon be addressing the part pertaining to the funding for “Refugee and Entrant Assistant” in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). You need only look at a few articles in the Union Leader or Concord Monitor to realize that this program has been faced with significant challenges in New Hampshire, as it has been all over our country. The funding provided to agencies like Lutheran Social Services to accomplish this job has been grossly inadequate for many years. As a result, volunteer efforts and donated funds have been used to fill the gap. That capacity has now been mostly depleted and the local communities are becoming increasingly stressed by the need to find ways to assist these new arrivals. Accusations of “dumping refugees” are frequently seen in the press and heard on the streets. This is a federally mandated program and the federal government must provide adequate resources to do the job.
"In FYI 09, Congress allocated $633.4 mil, to which was added a carry-over of $72.7 mil for a total operating budget last year of $706.1 mil. For 2010, the President has requested $740.7 mil, a less than 5% increase. Some interpret this (INCORRECTLY) as a larger percentage increase based on the $633.4 mil congressional appropriation in 2009, leaving out the fact that $72.7 mil was then added from un-obligated prior year funds (which accrued due to fewer than budgeted refugee arrivals).
"I urge you to please advocate within the committee the need to fund Refugee Resettlement at the modest level increase requested by the President, $740.7 mil for FY 2010."
In the next few days, the US Senate Sub-Committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Committee will focus on funding the US Refugee Resettlement programs. New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg is a member of this committee. It is imperative that as many New Hampshire residents as possible contact him about this matter AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You can do this by either sending a message through his web site http://gregg.senate.gov, (click on "contact") or by phone (202) 224-3324. I think everyone is aware of the financial struggles associated with trying to do an adequate job of refugee resettlement. Now is the time to send a strong message to our federal policy makers that it is time to finally support this program at a reasonable level.
The "sticking point" seems to be an impression that last year's congressional appropriation was $633.4 mil, thus the President's request for $740.7 mil appears to be too large a jump. But this is NOT the case. The actual budget for refugee resettlement last year was $706.1 mil due to a carry-over from unspent funds which accumulated during a time of low numbers of arriving refugees.
Copied below is the message I recently sent to Sen. Gregg. However, use your own words when writing or calling.
"Dear Senator Gregg: I am writing to you as a citizen of New Hampshire and also as an employee of an organization which contracts with the federal government to resettle refugees in New Hampshire (Lutheran Social Services). As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Sub-Committee, you will soon be addressing the part pertaining to the funding for “Refugee and Entrant Assistant” in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). You need only look at a few articles in the Union Leader or Concord Monitor to realize that this program has been faced with significant challenges in New Hampshire, as it has been all over our country. The funding provided to agencies like Lutheran Social Services to accomplish this job has been grossly inadequate for many years. As a result, volunteer efforts and donated funds have been used to fill the gap. That capacity has now been mostly depleted and the local communities are becoming increasingly stressed by the need to find ways to assist these new arrivals. Accusations of “dumping refugees” are frequently seen in the press and heard on the streets. This is a federally mandated program and the federal government must provide adequate resources to do the job.
"In FYI 09, Congress allocated $633.4 mil, to which was added a carry-over of $72.7 mil for a total operating budget last year of $706.1 mil. For 2010, the President has requested $740.7 mil, a less than 5% increase. Some interpret this (INCORRECTLY) as a larger percentage increase based on the $633.4 mil congressional appropriation in 2009, leaving out the fact that $72.7 mil was then added from un-obligated prior year funds (which accrued due to fewer than budgeted refugee arrivals).
"I urge you to please advocate within the committee the need to fund Refugee Resettlement at the modest level increase requested by the President, $740.7 mil for FY 2010."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Building connections as a volunteer
The following is a contribution from Dick, LSS Volunteer:
When I began volunteering with New American Services at Lutheran Social Services, I helped setting up apartments for new arrivals as well as driving refugees to doctor appointments. I did not need to do anything but show up ready to help.
After about a month, LSS asked me if I would like a tough assignment working with a family struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle. I accepted and entered the world of the refugee family in America.
Refugee needs and wants are pretty much the same as ours but more dramatic and time critical due to the challenges of culture, language and lack of money. Add health issues to these challenges and you have a very stressful environment for new arrivals.
Volunteers can help families by providing support to ease these stresses. Some resources I have used with my refugee family to help make the transition easier include:
GoogleTranslator
This is not to be relied upon for exact translations but can get you out of a pickle!
ESOL Programs:
LSS classes at First Congregational Church
Project Second Start
Immaculate Heart of Mary for NH Catholic Charities
(Project Second Start lent me several English Primers and I began regular English lessons in the refugee home using these as a basis for designing my own classes. But this doesn’t replace in class learning and, by itself, will not be successful.)
Jobs:
It’s a tough job market out there. No kidding! But jobs can be found.
Volunteers can help but should always coordinate job searching with the Job Developer at LSS
(tel. 224.8111).
In addition to staying connected to LSS, volunteers can become acquainted with the resources at:
NH Employment Security on West Street (tel. 228.411 )
Labor Ready at 49 South Main Street in Concord (tel. 226.3102)
The information summarized above is intended to provide a basis for identifying some of the agencies and people serving the refugee/needy community. It is certainly not complete and Lutheran Social Services would welcome information/additions from you regarding other resources that the Concord community has to offer to improve the lives of our new neighbors.
I am “totally impressed” with what New Hampshire (that means all of us) are doing to support those in need!!! The challenge is to join in supporting our neighbors-in-need. Won’t you help?
~Dick
LSS Volunteer
When I began volunteering with New American Services at Lutheran Social Services, I helped setting up apartments for new arrivals as well as driving refugees to doctor appointments. I did not need to do anything but show up ready to help.
After about a month, LSS asked me if I would like a tough assignment working with a family struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle. I accepted and entered the world of the refugee family in America.
Refugee needs and wants are pretty much the same as ours but more dramatic and time critical due to the challenges of culture, language and lack of money. Add health issues to these challenges and you have a very stressful environment for new arrivals.
Volunteers can help families by providing support to ease these stresses. Some resources I have used with my refugee family to help make the transition easier include:
GoogleTranslator
This is not to be relied upon for exact translations but can get you out of a pickle!
ESOL Programs:
LSS classes at First Congregational Church
Project Second Start
Immaculate Heart of Mary for NH Catholic Charities
(Project Second Start lent me several English Primers and I began regular English lessons in the refugee home using these as a basis for designing my own classes. But this doesn’t replace in class learning and, by itself, will not be successful.)
Jobs:
It’s a tough job market out there. No kidding! But jobs can be found.
Volunteers can help but should always coordinate job searching with the Job Developer at LSS
(tel. 224.8111).
In addition to staying connected to LSS, volunteers can become acquainted with the resources at:
NH Employment Security on West Street (tel. 228.411 )
Labor Ready at 49 South Main Street in Concord (tel. 226.3102)
The information summarized above is intended to provide a basis for identifying some of the agencies and people serving the refugee/needy community. It is certainly not complete and Lutheran Social Services would welcome information/additions from you regarding other resources that the Concord community has to offer to improve the lives of our new neighbors.
I am “totally impressed” with what New Hampshire (that means all of us) are doing to support those in need!!! The challenge is to join in supporting our neighbors-in-need. Won’t you help?
~Dick
LSS Volunteer
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Resources!
Greetings!
Take a look at this wonderful site- an online NH homelessness resource.
Thanks to our colleagues as NH DHHS for sending it along to us!
Also, a NH Young Adult Resource Guide.
Interesting stats from Homeland Security.
Flashcards for Naturalization Test.
And an online Guide to Naturalization.
Enjoy!
Take a look at this wonderful site- an online NH homelessness resource.
Thanks to our colleagues as NH DHHS for sending it along to us!
Also, a NH Young Adult Resource Guide.
Interesting stats from Homeland Security.
Flashcards for Naturalization Test.
And an online Guide to Naturalization.
Enjoy!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Welcome and please follow us!
Dear colleagues, volunteers, community members and fellow refugee advocates,
Share the Story is a forum to post helpful resources, needs of the refugee community and the tales we all have and hear during our work with refugees in NH. We want to build support for the refugee community through building connections, educating one another and empowering refugees to suceed as they join us in NH. Please check us out frequently for new postings!
If you wish to contribute to the content of Share the Story, please email me at astoutimore@lssne.org. We do accept and screen submissions- your ideas, knowledge and experience are key to supporting refugees resettled in NH. Welcome to our network!
~Abigail (Volunteer/Donation/Community Education Coordinator- New American Services)
Share the Story is a forum to post helpful resources, needs of the refugee community and the tales we all have and hear during our work with refugees in NH. We want to build support for the refugee community through building connections, educating one another and empowering refugees to suceed as they join us in NH. Please check us out frequently for new postings!
If you wish to contribute to the content of Share the Story, please email me at astoutimore@lssne.org. We do accept and screen submissions- your ideas, knowledge and experience are key to supporting refugees resettled in NH. Welcome to our network!
~Abigail (Volunteer/Donation/Community Education Coordinator- New American Services)
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