Bethany committed to protecting refugees

USA (Bethany) — Bethany Christian Services, a global nonprofit organization committed to bringing and keeping families together, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI).

Bethany will provide assistance under the Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (TVAP) that comprises international victims of trafficking.

“It is our mission to provide quality social services in Christ’s name,” said Dona Abbott, director of Bethany’s refugee resettlement services. “We are both honored and privileged to have this opportunity to demonstrate His love and compassion through helping these survivors find hope and a future.”

Case management assistance will include aiding victims in achieving Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) certification, enrolling them in federal and state benefit programs to the same extent as a refugee, and obtaining employment. Bethany will ensure comprehensive, culturally- and linguistically-appropriate services to qualified clients which will include preventative health services. Bethany is experienced in working with torture survivors through its Healing Center for Torture Trauma.

“The primary goal is to help them feel safe,” said Corrie Sjoblom, Healing Center supervisor at Bethany. “Only when they start to feel secure can we help them become self-sufficient and active members in our community.”