New American Services
New American Services works with the United States Government to help refugees establish a home in North Dakota after they are approved for admittance into our country.

The goal of our work is to help refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency as soon as possible.  Partnerships play a vital role in a successful resettlement experience. New American Services works with many state and local agencies including the North Dakota Department of Human Services, the public schools, churches, health care organizations, social service agencies, adult learning centers, civic groups, employers, plus individual volunteers and mentors. 

Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has fled his/her country because of fear of persecution based on race, religion, their nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

North Dakota accepts between180 to 220 individual refugees each year.

How refugees benefit the community.

• Refugees strengthen the local economy by supplying labor, occupying rental housing units and by simply being a consumer.  An employed refugee pays approximately $1000 in state sales tax and contributes $2500 to $3000 in state and federal taxes annually.
• Refugees offset North Dakota’s population decline and help offset declining school enrollment, the shrinking workforce and reduced tax base.
• Refugees bring diversity to our area, helping us learn about and from different cultures. 
• Refugees become homeowners and contribute approximately $100,000 in property taxes per year.
• Refugees start new businesses and in-turn employ others. 

Services we provide

Case Management Services - 
Contact: Sabina Abaza sabaza@lssnd.org 701-235-7341 

Guides newly arrived refugees and secondary migrants through the initial processes necessary for successful resettlement and self-sufficiency.

• Secures an apartment for the family, provides deposit and first month’s rent, basic furnishings, clothing and a two week supply of food.
• Meets the family at the airport and transports them to their new home.
• Provides assistance in applying for Social Security cards, registering adults and children in English Language Learning classes and public education programs.
• Sets up medical appointments and assists in applying for other support services.
• Prepares a self-sufficiency plan together with client and employment specialist.  Assists client in identifying and removing barriers to success

Refugee Employment Services -
Contact: Sabina Abaza sabaza@lssnd.org 701-235-7341 

Assists refugees in finding employment as soon as possible and works with area employers looking for workers.

• Works with area employers looking for workers
• Assists with placement, follow-up and employment orientation for new clients.

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program -
Contact: Katie Saez ksaez@lssnd.org  701-235-7341

Finds foster care solutions for refugee youths who arrive in the United States without a parent or adult relative able and willing to care for them.

• Recruits, trains, licenses and supports foster parents
• Provides case management services
• Prepares youth for family reunification or self-sufficient adulthood
  

  Basic Licensure Qualifications
  

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be financially stable
• Be single or married
• Own or rent a home or apartment
• Have adequate space for a youth
• Have a clear background check
• Have ability to work as a team with social workers and other service providers
  

  Characteristics of Foster Families appropriate for Youth Refugees
  

• Interested in world affairs and in learning about other cultures
• Willing to help the child stay connected to his/her culture of origin and birth family, including family members overseas
• Willing to teach the youth self-sufficiency skills
• Ability to advocate within health, education and other systems.

Immigration Services -
Contact: Tri Phan tphan@lssnd.org  701-235-7341

Assists refugees and other immigrants in completing applications for immigration benefits, such as travel documents, green cards, citizenship petitions and family reunification petitions.

Community Liaison -
Contact: Darci Asche dasche@lssnd.org  701-235-7341

Links refugee families with church congregations, mentors and volunteers who help New Americans make the transition into the community and a new country.

• Speaks to organizations who wish to learn about the international, national and local refugee programs. Arranges for representation of speakers from various refugee groups.
• Provides cultural information about New Americans in our area.
• Arranges Service Learning and other small group volunteer projects for area schools, congregations and service clubs.
• Arranges for in-kind and financial donations to benefit refugee families

Grand Forks Refugee Resettlement -
Contact: Dawne Barwin dbarwin@lssnd.org  701-775-8552

With the help of a 10-member church coalition, a number of dedicated volunteers and a small staff, the community of Grand Forks receives approximately 20-30 refugees per year through New American Services.  The Grand Forks sub-office coordinates case management, employment and community activities.

How to get involved
People who assist refugees often comment that they receive more in return emotionally and spiritually than they give.  Check out ways to volunteer and support the needs of refugees.

Contact Us
Sinisa Milovanovic, Program Director
E-mail:smilovanovic@lssnd.org
1325 11th St S
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 235-7341

Resources
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services - www.lirs.org
Episcopal Migration Ministries - www.episcopalchurch.org/emm
Cultural Orientation Profiles - www.cal.org/co/publications/profiles html 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - www.unhcr.org
Office of Refugee Resettlement - www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr
Department of State - www.state.gov/g/prm