Older Refugee & Immigrant Program
Senior refugees and asylees have unique challenges and needs. To properly address these challenges, CRIS has a program dedicated to serving people over the age of 60. Senior services include help with citizenship or naturalization, support for medical and legal appointments, social outings with peers, and more.
Contact us to make a referral or set up an appointment to meet with one of our Senior Program Case Workers.
Eligibility
Individuals must be 60 years or older and residing in Franklin County, Ohio. There are no charges for these services. However, clinics and agencies other than CRIS that provide needed services may have fees on a sliding scale.
Those interested must make an appointment with one of our Senior Program Case Workers, who will conduct a needs assessment, open a client file, and contact you to set up future meetings to discuss your case.
Program Services
CRIS offers the following services who qualify for the Older Refugee and Immigrant Program:
U.S. Citizenship classes and tutoring (preparation for the U.S. Citizenship Exam); legal services are also offered by CRIS to prepare for citizenship
Assistance with social security issues including Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
HEAP/PIPP Utilities assistance
Referrals to medical and dental clinics
Assistance with housing and landlord issues
Linkage to other resources such as medical providers in the area, driving schools, funeral homes, grocery stores, and food pantries
Social outings with other older refugees and immigrants in the area
Senior Companion Program in collaboration with Catholic Social Services (seniors visit other isolated seniors).
Funding Partners
In partnership with Catholic Social Services, CRIS Senior Services Program participates in a Senior Companion Program. A group of 11 seniors volunteer to serve as companions for isolated homebound seniors from the Bhutanese, Congolese, Eritrean/Ethiopian, Sierra Leonese, and Somali communities. These volunteers currently serve 42 homebound seniors who are involved in CRIS Senior Services Program.
This photo is from a recent in-service meeting among the Senior Companion volunteers.
Monthly outings like this trip to the Ohio History Center provide space for social interactions among peers as well as familiarity with the community.
In November of 2023, each of our seniors received a brand new pair of shoes thanks to a generous donation from Samaritan's Feet.
The CRIS Senior Services program can aid in ESL/Civics tutoring, transportation assistance to your USCIS appointments, and interpretation of notices. This photo shows one of our senior clients taking the oath to become a new American!
Have questions?
Contact us today.
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Raj Chhetri
OLDER REFUGEE & IMMIGRANT PROGRAM MANAGER