Refugees are individuals who have fled their countries of origin and who meet the United Nations’ criteria of having a “well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”

Each year the President of the United States authorizes the admission of a certain number of refugees into the country.  This determination is based on a consultative process between Congress, the President and various federal agencies.  In recent years, the US has accepted between 50,000 to 100,00 refugees per year.  Before admission to the US, each refugee undergoes an extensive interviewing, screening and security clearance process.

Refugees, having suffered great loss, including loss of their homes, livelihoods, possessions and oftentimes families, need assistance starting over in a new country.  Their initial needs are many: food, clothing, shelter, employment, English language training, and orientation to a new community and culture.  Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is part of the Catholic refugee resettlement network that includes over 100 diocesan offices across the country and in Guam and Puerto Rico. Resettling refugees provides an extraordinary opportunity for countless Americans to take an active part in offering a caring and supportive environment for refugees as they begin new lives. Without volunteers and resources from our community and parishes, Catholic Charities would be unable to accomplish the tremendous task of giving refugees new hope and the opportunity to begin again.

To learn more about Refugee Resettlement at Catholic Charities, including volunteer opportunities, please attend one of our monthly online orientations.  Dates are listed below.  We also invite you to learn about the refugee experience from those who have experienced it first hand via our  "Hear My Story" series.