Catholic Social Services~Refugee Resettlement

The Refugee Resettlement Program is the branch of Catholic Social Services created to meet the special needs of refugees. The Mobile program is the only refugee resettlement program in Alabama. Each year, we resettle between 170-200 refugees.

Refugees seek freedom from persecution. Their journey is marked with many losses and pursed with great courage. They have left their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion. They are legally admitted to the United States by the Department of State and the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

The program began in the early summer of 1975, with the fall of the South Vietnamese government to communist control. Bishops across the United States provided an immediate response offering the support of social service agencies in their diocese. Since that time, Mobile has welcomed more than 6,300 refugees.

In recent years, resettlement opportunities have been provided in Mobile for Susanes, Cubans, Liberians, Afghans, Somalis, and Meskhetian Turks. In each case, a plan is developed to assist the refugees achieve self-sufficiency in the shortest time possible. Services provided include: reception, orientation, case management, job development, English language training, school and health related issues, translation, legal assistance, and more.

There are many opportunities for individuals and groups to “welcome the stranger” ranging from arrival preparation, mentoring or adoption a family to transportation and after school tutoring. Contact our office to learn more about how you can become a part of this exciting ministry.

Jana Curran, Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (251) 432-2727