Meet Our Community Partners: Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program
Channel: The Jane Addams Center
Date: 2021-10-15

On Tuesday, October 5, JACCE had the pleasure of welcoming the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program onto campus. Janet Biljeskovic, director of the program, spoke to us about her organization’s history, mission, and goals. She also educated us about the history of refugee resettlement in Rockford and gave us a look at how the refugee resettlement process functions. She left us with several ways for Rockford University students, faculty, and staff to assist in ongoing refugee resettlement efforts. 

Her visit has come at a time of great need for her organization, as increased strain has been placed on resettlement services worldwide due to the recent evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal. In light of this, the Jane Addams Center calls on the Rockford University community to assist Catholic Charities in welcoming refugees into northern Illinois.

This month’s visit from Catholic Charities was part of our Meet Our Community Partners event series. Once a month, the Jane Addams Center brings in a community partner to meet with Rockford University students, faculty, and staff. During these events, our visitors educate the RU community about their organizations and let them know how we can get involved in support of their efforts. Our community partners are organizations that work within the Rockford area to fulfill people’s essential needs, address vital social issues, and build community.

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00:00 Introduction
01:01 What does it mean to be a refugee?
02:34 How does someone become a refugee?
05:23 How do you serve refugees?
08:16 How has your work been impacted by the evacuation of Afghanistan?
10:07 What is the history of refugee resettlement in Rockford?
11:13 How have refugees contributed to Rockford?
12:34 How can people volunteer for your organization?
17:06 How can people donate to your organization?
19:00 Closing Remarks