Hope for a Future in a new Country s an English-speaker who had previously worked with the United States government in Afghanistan, Aria was hopeful about her prospects upon arriving in the U.S. as a refugee. She was optimistic that she'd quickly find a good job and settle into her new life. However, she discovered that even with her skills and background, finding a job in a new country is difficult.
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"Many refugees arrive in the U.S. with career backgrounds. They speak English, have college degrees, and business experience," said CCC Employment Specialist Caroline Zong.
"Unfortunately, that doesn't always translate into immediate, or even adequate, employment. But that's why we are here―to help; to give hope." Despite the difficulties, Aria didn't give up. Instead, she turned to CCC's Refugee Resettlement team who had previously helped her resettle in the United States. Through the whole process she remained positive. “If we are happy or sad, crying or laughing, thinking positively or negatively, time still moves on so why not work to laugh,” said Aria. “We should try to be an example for others by being happy and thinking positively about life’s situations.” There’s no doubt that her positive attitude and perseverance led to a job that she loves.
Welcoming the stranger orld-wide there are an estimated 69 million refugees and displaced persons. Parents and children; old and young people who were forced by war, persecution, and violence to leave their homes, their lives, and often, even their family members in search of safety and a future.
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CCC’s Resettlement Program helps these individuals to rebuild their lives and gain stability, equipping them with the skills, resources, and guidance they need to begin their new lives in the United States.
27 From 2013 to 2018, CCC resettled people from 27 countries. Eighty percent originated from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Bhutan, and Somalia.
32% Of the refugees who arrived in Virginia between 2013 and 2018, 32% were preschool and school-aged children.
6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
50% CCC is one of two resettlement agencies in Richmond and Central Virginia and has been helping refugees since 1975.
3,550 Between 2013 and 2018, CCC resettled 3,550 individuals in Virginia.
21,000 In over 40 years of helping refugees, CCC has settled more than 21,000 people.
