Page 13 - Samaritas Annual Report 2017

Creating a ripple...

While fleeing as refugees from Congo, Flory and Elodie were
separated from their two children for five years. With help
from the American Red Cross and Samaritas, the children
were rescued and resettled in Grand Rapids, MI a few years

ago and have been living happily ever since.

Refugees come here seeking protection and a chance to build a new life. New Americans
They are eager to learn, to work and to become productive contributors 2017 Highlights
to society. As they become settled, they build businesses, create jobs,
revitalize neighborhoods, fuel the economy and strengthen the tax base,
enriching their communities. • 100% of our

refugee children had
As the largest refugee resettlement agency in the state and fourth largest
in the nation, Samaritas has resettled thousands of people from dozens improved English
of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central and skills
South America. Samaritas has been the Michigan affiliate of Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee Service since the 1950s. In 2002, Samaritas • 92% self sufficiency
became the Michigan affiliate of Episcopal Migration Ministries as well. rate for New
Americans at six

months