A pair of Western New York organizations that help refugees become employed while adjusting to their new homes in New York are set to receive new funding through the New York state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Refugee Support Services Program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.

Journey’s End Refugee Services ($2,559,604), while Jewish Family Services of Western N.Y. – Buffalo ($2,724,000) and Niagara ($148,741) will receive that funding. 

Jewish Family Services will subcontract with various community partners, including Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the International Institute of Buffalo, to implement programs for clients across the Buffalo and Niagara Falls regions. The funding also enables JFS to expand its Integration and Self-Sufficiency Program, which includes transportation assistance to address logistical barriers for clients and immigration legal services to maintain permanent resident status and work authorization.

“JFS understands the many hurdles faced by refugee adults and youth as they pursue self-sufficiency and assimilation into their new community, most notably securing and maintaining meaningful employment,” said Molly Carr, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Jewish Family Services of WNY. “By offering refugee-focused career services and providing wrap-around individual and family supports to assist with the transition to a new country and address any barriers to employment, we can better guide refugees on their path towards achieving financial and personal stability.”

The Refugee Support Services Program provides services including addressing barriers to employment, such as social and cultural adjustment, job search skills, work experience, and English proficiency. Transitional services are also provided to ensure continued employment and to enhance opportunities for advancement.

“New York State has a proud history of welcoming those displaced by violence or fleeing persecution with open arms,” Gov. Hochul said. “These investments will lift up refugee communities, and represent our unwavering commitment to the possibility and promise they bring to our state.” 

In total, 17 not-for-profit refugee services providers across the state were awarded funding to provide employment and transitional support services to help recently resettled refugees and their families adapt to life in the U.S.