LFS
Role in the Cultural Mentoring Program
Website
Location
The Refugee & Asylee Programs Downing Office is located at 1600 Downing St., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80218.
Introduction
The Refugee and Asylee Program (RAP) is one of seven programs within Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM), an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) based in Baltimore, Maryland. LIRS was organized in 1939 to resettle refugees fleeing the Nazi advance in Europe. Since then, LIRS has become recognized as a premier leader among refugee resettlement agencies in the U.S. and is the second largest such organization in the U.S. The Refugee and Asylee Program is based on the east side of downtown Denver and maintains sub-offices in Colorado Springs, Greeley, Ft. Morgan, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Mission and Values
Inspired by the compassionate love of Christ, LFS walks with the vulnerable through services that heal, strengthen, and provide hope. As an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, our program adheres to the following Statement of Values:
- Our work is a ministry.
- We are called as Lutheran Christians and others of goodwill, to show love for God and neighbor by caring for and walking with uprooted people.
- Human life is precious.
- We are here to uphold safety, freedom and human rights, to work in the best interests of those we serve and to treat people with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- We are called to show God's peace and justice in our lives and relationships.
- We are here to mobilize action on behalf of uprooted people, to see that they receive fair and equal treatment, regardless of national origin, race, religion, culture or legal status.
- We are called to be advocates.
- We are here to speak out for just and humane solutions to migration crises and their root causes, both national and international; to work with others to turn solutions into reality; and to encourage citizens to take part in shaping just and fair public policies, practices and laws.
- People flourish in community.
- We are here to reconnect uprooted people with society, and to foster healing, economic independence, and realization of new potential. We seek to build community between newcomers and more established neighbors, believing that we all hold a key to each other's revitalization, enrichment and growth as world citizens.
- We are stewards of God's resources for the common good.
- We are here to provide cost-effective, quality service and advocacy as we seek creative and durable solutions to the challenges we face.
Services
1. Case Management
Case Managers of the Refugee and Asylee Program act as advocates and sources of support to refugees as they navigate their new surroundings during their first year in the United States. Case management services provided by our agency include meeting clients upon arrival, locating safe housing, referral to initial health screenings, physicals and immunizations, ensuring access to social service programs and orientation to the culture and laws of their new country. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Case Managers are available to assist clients, other service providers, and the community with any other unanticipated needs or emergencies that may arise.
2. Employment Services
The Refugee and Asylee Program’s Employment Specialists meet with newly arrived refugees in order to assess language proficiency, educational and vocational background, and formulate a plan to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Based on clients’ backgrounds and skills, Employment Specialists seek to employ clients in the best possible positions, usually within four months of clients’ arrival in the U.S. Our agency provides employment services to both employers and their refugee employees at no cost. These services include on-site interpretation for training or benefits enrollment, transportation and interpretation for job interviews or work-related health appointments, and continued job coaching or, if necessary, employer/employee mediation.
3. Housing
Lutheran Family Services provides housing location/placement assistance to its clients. After locating suitable housing and completing the application process, our agency offers a full range of relocation services including help with moving, establishment of utility services, and supply of basic household furnishings.
4. Community Services
The Community Services department works closely with the Resettlement department to develop and implement specialized and neighborhood-based programs that respond to the needs of newly arrived refugees like after school tutoring, parenting workshops, and financial literacy classes. All refugees are referred to Emily Griffith Technical College which provides free English classes. Those who are not able to attend classes are provided with a home tutor. Our program also serves victims of trafficking.
5. Limited Immigration Services
The agency is able to provide limited immigration services to refugees and asylees. Specifically, the staff assists clients in completing applications for family reunification. We can also provide assistance in citizenship, legal permanent residence, and various other limited services. Please call 303-980-5400 and ask to speak to Immigration Services for more information.
Role in the Cultural Mentoring Program:
- Apartment set-up
- Airport pick-up
- Find housing
- Provide furnishings
- Provide initial basic clothing and necessities
- Assist in financial literacy
- Community orientation
- Apply for government assistance programs
- Transportation to initial health screening
- Register kids in school
- Assist adults in learning English
- Prepare adults to obtain and retain employment