The County of LA welcomes refugees as they pursue their dreams and resettle away from the turmoil in their home countries. Please see our attached media release highlighting June as Refugee Awareness Month to learn about the various services DPSS offers ranging from cash assistance to employment-related services to help refugees. Through their many skills, talents, faiths, and values, refugees enrich our nation economically and economically.
Will you help us spread the word about Refugee Awareness Month so that we can help refugees transition to self-sufficiency? DPSS is here to help.
Interested in learning more? We have DPSS representatives available to speak for more information.
Contact Sebastian Cervantes, SebastianCervantes@dpss.lacounty.gov or (562) 908-8552 or James Bolden JamesBolden@dpss.lacounty.gov or (562) 908-8482.
DPSS USES COUNTY’S ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF REFUGEES TO AMPLIFY THE MESSAGE ABOUT SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
In observance of Refugee Awareness Month in the County of Los Angeles, the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is highlighting the contributions of immigrants that make L.A. one of the strongest and culturally diverse counties in the nation.
The department is ensuring that immigrants are informed about the many vital programs and services available to them through the department’s Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN), which provides employment-related services to help participants find and sustain employment and move on to higher-paying jobs. The Refugee Employment Program (REP), which operates under GAIN, provides five years of employment and training services for eligible refugees and asylees, five years from the date of entry or the date asylum is granted. The program also REP offers outreach, case management, and placement services to refugees.
The California Department of Social Services Refugee Programs Bureau reports that nearly 2,000 refugees arrived in L.A. County within the past five years. Declaring June as “Refugee Awareness Month” at their June 6 public meeting, the Board of Supervisors acknowledged the plight of families forced to flee their home countries due to religious and political persecution, war, and civil unrest.
“Refugees share a common goal with other immigrants to achieve the American dream,” Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Hahn wrote in her motion. “Through their many skills and talents, faiths, and shared common values, they enrich our nation both culturally and economically.”
Collaborating with the L.A. County Office of Emergency Management, Office of Immigrant Affairs, Department of Public Health, and local refugee service organizations, DPSS is using its social media platforms, media outreach and weekly Essential DPSS resource newsletter to amplify the messages about employment training and time-limited cash assistance for housing, and other necessary expenses.
This year’s local refugee service organization partners include but are not limited to Church World Service, Islamic Circle of North America, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service, International Institute of Los Angeles, International Rescue Committee, Jobs Vision Success SoCal, Refugee Forum of Los Angeles, and Uplift Charity.
The Refugee Forum of L.A. will host an event on June 20, to observe World Refugee Day to raise awareness about the plight of refugees around the world. The event will feature an exhibit, community resources, and a valuable presentation on public charge. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Park Olive Court and Lawn in downtown L.A. This year’s theme is “Building a Brighter Future.”
For more information about DPSS refugee programs, visit the DPSS YouTube page to view the What is Refugee Services video.
