OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT TO RECEIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FUNDS

FRESNO, CA- Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that the FresnoInterdenominational Refugee Ministries operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlementwill receive $180,000 in funding from the United States Department of Healthand Human Services.

"With theCentral Valley receiving 2,400 refugees over the last two years, it isimportant to provide these newly arrived refugees services that will help themget started in living in the in the United States" Congressman Costa explained.

The Services for Recently ArrivedRefugees grant will be used to provide the teaching of vocational skills andEnglish as a Second Language classes to Hmong refugees. The grant will furtherassist the refugees in employment, transportation, housing, and green cardstatus adjustment. The goal of the program is to educate these individuals withthe skills to live successfully within American society.

"This grant will allow theInterdenominational Refugee Ministries the chance to continue their efforts inproviding refugees the opportunity to further improve their lives," Costaconcluded.

# # #