Page 7 - 2025 Samaritas Our Hands Spring/Summer

Refugee Resettlement
Employment
School Impact
Refugee Youth Services

Building Michigan’s Future: Samaritas Elevates
Refugee Workforce Readiness

On World Refugee Day, Samaritas is proud to recognize the remarkable contributions of
refugees in Michigan. Refugees add over $295 million to Michigan’s economy each year,
and Samaritas is at the forefront of ensuring this resilient and capable workforce gets
the opportunity they deserve.
As Michigan’s leading provider of refugee resettlement services, Samaritas goes far
beyond the basics. Our goal is not just to resettle refugees, but to prepare them to thrive
in the workforce from day one. Through personalized training, digital tools, and strategic
employer partnerships, Samaritas breaks down barriers to long-term employment.

Innovative tools like the HopeCommUS App, developed by Samaritas’ in-house IT team,
help refugees navigate their first months in the U.S. by providing access to resources,
job leads, and support services in their language. With features like real-time translation,
appointment reminders, document sharing, and direct communication with case
managers, the app strengthens client support. Samaritas ensures refugees have the
tech access they need to pursue education and job readiness.

Remote Refugee Services

To reach refugees in all parts of the state, the Remote Refugee Services Program provides virtual case
management, employment coaching, and digital literacy support to clients in rural and underserved areas.
Complementing this is the Refugee Resource Center, which offers employers hands-on guidance, language
services, and cultural onboarding tools to ensure smooth integration and long-term success for both
employees and hiring partners.
In partnership with Verizon, Samaritas operates the “Navigate to Communicate” Mobile Digital Literacy Program, delivering Chromebook-
equipped labs to communities across the state. These mobile units offer access to English and job-readiness tools, while monthly virtual
sessions in multiple languages help refugees navigate daily tasks like job searches, medical appointments, and online payments.

“At Samaritas, we prepare our clients to be strong employees from day one,” said Alec Tarnacki, Samaritas Refugee Employment Coordinator.
“We’re looking to partner with employers who are ready to grow their teams with individuals who are resilient, dedicated, and ready to succeed.”

Whether you’re looking to fill high-demand roles or expand your workforce, Samaritas makes the process easy and effective. For job fair
participation or employment partnership opportunities, contact Alec Tarnacki ATarn@samaritas.org or Christina Field CFiel@samaritas.org, or
visit info.samaritas.org/corporatecollaboration.

Save the Date

2025 Refugee Youth Art Show

Art appreciation is one of the enrichment activities
for Samaritas refugee foster youth,
unaccompanied refugee minors, and other
unaccompanied children in our care.
The talent on display at the Samaritas Youth Art Show exemplifies the creativity,
vibrancy, and energy of the young people we nurture who have fled from their
homelands. Art is an outlet to express themselves.
Check out the 2025 Refugee Youth Art Show at Tabooli Restaurant in Lansing, MI. June
nd
th
22 to June 29 .
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