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JFS of Greenwich stood proudly with fellow resettlement agencies CIRI and IRIS at a legislative breakfast held by Connecticut State Representatives Jennifer Leeper and Kate Farrar.
JFS CEO Rachel Kornfeld explained the critical situation to our legislators:
"The refugee experience starts with trauma—violence, persecution, and displacement. When refugees finally arrive in the U.S., it is often their first moment of safety in years. Yet, their path to self-sufficiency is just beginning as they navigate complex systems—banking, education, healthcare, and employment, legal system—that are entirely foreign to them.
"Connecticut’s resettlement agencies play a critical role in bridging this gap. Our essential programs help refugee families transition to independence. Our services fill a void that public agencies do not address—and that is why state and local departments of human services call us almost every day. We counsel staff members across Connecticut's largest school districts on how to meet the intricate needs of refugee clients. Without sustained funding, these families will fall into an already overburdened system, ill-equipped to meet their needs. This is more than a language barrier—our public systems do not have the ability to take on the 13,000 individuals served by CIRI/IRIS/JFS of Greenwich.
"These clients are coping with almost every psychosocial stressor. Now the support they have to work through their unimaginable journey here, and challenging road ahead - is at risk.
"As of January 24, our newest arrivals were stripped of all federal support with immediate stop-work order for the United States Refugee Assistance Program (USRAP). The U.S. federal government committed five years of support through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) for those who arrived through federally approved programs. We urge the State of Connecticut to uphold this commitment by ensuring funding for resettlement agencies through fiscal year 2025 and beyond.
"CIRI, IRIS, and JFS of Greenwich answered the call to welcome thousands of refugees and immigrants to Connecticut. Now, we ask our state to ensure we can continue to uphold our agreements to support those under our care by providing the essential resources these families need to thrive.
"We appreciate your leadership and look forward to working together to uphold Connecticut’s proud tradition of welcoming those in need."
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