Refugees
Our district values diversity and inclusivity, and we are here to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families. We understand that adjusting to a new country and school system can be challenging, and we are dedicated to helping our students.
A refugee is any person who is unable to return to their home country out of a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Resources for Refugees
Teen Connectors for Utah Refugee Connection
- Amy Rigbee – (801)893-1614
- They have backpacks and kits
Utah Rescue Committee
- Amy Dott Harmer URC – (801)871-5903
- Text her for backpack needs.
Resources for Educators and Personnel
Refugees want a “sense of belonging”. “Each life carries the scars of a difficult past, while leaning in the uncertainty and promise of a new life.” They want to belong. They want a friend and they want to feel loved. They seek to integrate into our society.
“A refugee is a special category of immigrant. The big thing that is important for people to know is that refugees, when they get off the plane, they’re legal to work and get permanent residency after one year and they can get citizenship or apply for citizenship after five years.”
“One of the misconceptions of the wider community is that refugees get a lot of financial support and they get other things that others don’t get, and that’s not the case.” -Gerald Brown, Workforce Services
From the date of arrival, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at HHS provides short-term cash and medical assistance to new arrivals, as well as case management services, English as Foreign Language classes, and job readiness and employment services – all designed to facilitate refugees’ successful transition in the US, and help them to attain self-sufficiency.