BUFFALO, N.Y. — Every year, Catholic Charities helps hundreds of refugees find work once they arrive in Buffalo.

Mahmud Ahmed Gudal came from Somalia in 2013 and was placed on a production crew at Neville Manufacturing.

"After working for a year, I was promoted to supervisor and I'm still working for this company. I look forward to going to work every day and I'm proud to be self-sufficient," said Gudal. 

"It's neat to see the progress and success people like Mahmud can have for you," said Neville Manufacturing President Pat Crowe. 

Mahmud is just one of thousands of refugees that have been assessed for a job that fits their skills.

Catholic Charities says the program has room to grow and expand. On Tuesday, it held a luncheon for businesses to discuss how the program can improve.

Most employers agreed that with the exception of some initial language barriers, refugee employees are dependable and some of their best workers.

"At the end of one year, 85 percent are still working, which is an extremely high level, that's why the employers love them. Once they have a job, they're there. They aren't sitting on their phone texting, they're here to work and work hard," said Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Program Director Bill Sukaly.