Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services Inc

Mental Health: The RRRS mental health team neared completion of its 3 year contract with the funder: Greater Rochester Health Foundation. The team has completed its research and experience with multiple cultures to determine that PTSD is a common experience for refugees once they have completed their adjustment to living in a new country. PTSD causes some refugees to never develop a comfort level in their new country. Primary resettlement agencies that actually bring people into the country are contracted to work with families for only 90 days, which means that RRRS as landlord takes over from there. Our extensive work through this experience has shown us that the American mental health system is in most cases inadequate for refugees from many diverse cultures. (Continued on Schedule O).As we finish this funded program we have resolved to develop a mental health program using successful techniques developed in home countries. These techniques will be delivered by leaders/respected members of the larger ethnic groups who have also been in the US for many years and can "bridge" the gap between American medical support and native ethnic cultural norms.

Asylum Program: The change of Federal administration in 2025 has caused a dramatic shift in immigration policies causing RRRS to react and reprogram our efforts towards assisting asylum seekers and other immigrants here under temporary protection. Our efforts are to inform them of their legal rights and options and direct them to services that can provide some additional support and resources.

English language learning at the workplace: RRRS continues to offer English language training to those who are not able or eligible to attend adult English classes through The City School District's Adult Education program at Hart Street (OACES). In 2024-25 our program has been run by volunteers with English language teaching expertise and experience. As the Maplewood Public Library looks to leave the former Holy Rosary Church in early 2026, Mary's Place and RRRS will look to add language classes and work training programs to the facility.