December 16, 2021 (Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has invested a total of $36,000 in local Afghan Refugee resettlement efforts. UWWC has made a $20,550 grant to Jewish Family Services and a $15,550 grant to Samaritas.
“United Way of Washtenaw County recognizes the needs that exist and stands ready to strengthen the safety net of support in our community so that all people have the opportunity to feel safe and welcome here,” shared Pam Smith, President & CEO.
Jewish Family Services and Samaritas will be working directly with refugees arriving in the United States on humanitarian visas. Many are arriving with few personal belongings and need assistance finding a home, enrolling children in school, and acclimating to the United States. Refugees with a humanitarian visa, unlike other visas, are only entitled to 90 days of assistance and not eligible to work until they receive employment authorization, which takes an average of six months. This gap, between support and employment, is what Jewish Family Services and Samaritas are addressing with grant funding from UWWC.
Learn more about these grants and other investments United Way made in the community by visiting https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/your-dollars-work . To make a donation in support of the community visit www.uwgive.org.