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Youth Program
Refugee children arriving in the United States face a tremendous number of obstacles. They arrive in this country having already faced traumatic experiences: war, persecution, loss of family, friends, community, country and possibly extended periods of time in a refugee camp and/or in a second country where living conditions may have been difficult. With these experiences in their background, they arrive in the United States often having little or no English speaking ability, little understanding of the American school system and living in neighborhoods where drugs, crime and poverty may be the norm. Often they have to take care of the household chores and younger siblings while parents work. There is little time for outside recreation. A great amount of responsibility is placed on them at a young age.
The purpose of the youth program is to provide services to refugee youth and their families that will ease the transition into the school system and familiarize them with American culture. The program develops activities, with input from the youth and the families that address their specific needs and goals.
Catholic Charities Youth Program provides the following services to children and their families:
-Assistance learning English
-Tutoring in other subject areas
-Translation for parents and school personnel and other services
needed to promote a positive learning experience
-Field trips, sports and recreational activities and summer
programsIn order to be eligible for the program the child must:
-be between the ages of 6-18 (up to age 20 if attending high school)
-have come to the U.S. as a refugee, Cuban/Haitian Entrant or an Asylee
-have been in the U.S. for less than five years
For more information on the Refugee Youth Program please contact Leslie Hungerford - Program Supervisor at (407) 313-3036
This program is sponsored by Cathlolic Charities of Central Florida, Inc. and the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families.