After fleeing for their lives, millions of refugees languish in camps around the world. It’s hard to fathom, but many of them will spend their entire lives in those camps. Less than one percent will apply and—after strenuous background checks and interviews—be accepted to start over in a third country.
Unlike immigrants, who choose to migrate due to family or economic pressure, refugees have no choice. They are told if, when and where they will resettle.
Click here to read about who refugees are, why they come to Amarillo, and what happens to them when they arrive.
In order to fulfill our mission of providing help and creating hope, CFS staff and volunteers work with these victims of war and persecution so they can become contributing members of society. Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. State Department, CFS resettles refugees in Amarillo.
Our Resettlement Services
CFS’ dedicated case workers (all of them former refugees) rent and furnish apartments for new arrivals, meet them at the airport, set up health screenings, and help clients navigate social service agencies.
In addition, our ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct new arrivals on the language skills they’ll need to further their education or get a well-paying job. CFS orientation specialists provide training on transportation, hygiene, safety, and other important issues. And our job developers place refugees in employment and/or training opportunities so they can provide for their families.
Refugee resettlement is challenging, rewarding, and humbling. We work closely with local schools, churches, and individuals to make sure that refugees become self-sufficient as soon as possible. If you’d like to join us in this exciting work, consider volunteering or donating to CFS. You won’t regret it!
Visit the Refugee Symposium page to view several PowerPoint presentations on resettlement from Amarillo agencies who assist refugees.
