RefugeeConnect

As a nonprofit incubator, the Junior League of Cincinnati routinely assess areas of need affecting women and children in Greater Cincinnati. Based on those unmet needs, we develop community impact programming. (In our 97th year of community service, the Junior League of Cincinnati has launched, incubated, or impacted nearly 120 projects and organizations.)

In 2011, our needs assessment revealed a gap in refugee resettlement: for the first ninety days after their arrival in the United States, refugees are provided with Reception and Placement services — but after this initial resettlement period expires, refugees are on their own to find resources for things like transportation, language translation, and medical care.

A collaborative umbrella program was needed to link refugees and services providers together, and to educate the broader community about the refugee experience. After two years of investigation, the Junior of Cincinnati had identified more than 40 community partners interested in sharing resources and responsibilities regarding the success, integration, and care of refugees.

From these findings, the Junior League of Cincinnati founded our RefugeeConnect program in 2013. Today, we work with more than 80 Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky community partners.
RefugeeConnect now acts as a resource and connector to ensure refugees have access to the programs available to them, and that they feel welcome in their adopted community.

Learn more about RefugeeConnect at www.refugeeconnect.org.