August - Resettlement

Ahmed Kamil came to Columbus, OH as a refugee from Somalia in 2001. A few weeks later, he began as a resettlement caseworker at CRIS and has been working here for almost two decades. He coordinates the resettlement program by helping provide services to newly arrived refugees and immigrants. The program helps by securing housing, employment, healthcare, and by enrolling children in school. They also assist refugees and immigrants with applying for benefits like food stamps, applying for a social security card, and ensuring they are exposed to and socializing with others in the community.

However, It is quite challenging for a refugee or immigrant to come to America. In most cases, it can take many years for a case to be processed and for an individual or family to be resettled. Upon arrival, employment, transportation, and language often pose as barriers as they begin to adjust to their new environment. Overall, the resettlement program gives refugees and immigrants the tools they need to become successful and self-sufficient.