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U.S. Assistance Organizations

California

Direct Relief

27 S. La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93130.(805) 964-4767. FAX: (805) 681-4838. E-mail: dri@rain.org President: Terry Walker.

Mission is to provide appropriate assistance to health institutions that serve the poor and victims of natural and civil disasters, without regard to political affiliation, religious beliefs, ethnic identity, or ability to pay. Provides emergency medical and sheltering supplies to evacuation centers, refugee camps, and health facilities treating refugees and disaster victims throughout the world. By directing medical donations and technical training to indigenous health facilities and health projects, Direct Relief strives to promote self-help and self-sufficiency.

World Vision, Inc.

World Vision Inc., 919 W.Huntington Dr., Monrovia, CA 91016.(818) 305-7836. President: Dr.Robert A.Seiple. Director, Refugee Programs: Rev. "Duke" Duc X. Nguyen.

Established in 1950, an international Christian child care, relief, and development agency that supports more than 6,000 projects in 94 countries worldwide. U.S. programs work with at-risk children, Amerasians, and urban poor. Through emergency disaster relief, child sponsorship, primary health care, agricultural development, and community leadership training projects, benefits approximately 17 million people, including more than one million sponsored children.

Connecticut

Save The Children Federation, Inc.

54 Wilton Rd., Westport, CT 06880.(203) 221-4000. President: Charles F. MacCormack.

Founded in 1932, mission is to make lasting, positive changes in the lives of disadvantaged children. In the U.S. and in over 35 developing countries, self-help programs include community-based, basic education in Mali and Bolivia; maternal and child health in Nepal and Kentucky; women's lending and savings clubs in Bangladesh and Lebanon; early childhood programs for refugee families in the former Yugoslavia and the Caucasus and emergency relief and psycho-social rehabilitation programs for children in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. A champion of children's rights, Save the Children is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, one of the world's largest consortia of child-assistance organizations, made up of 24 individual country members working with children and families in more than 100 nations throughout the world.

Georgia

CARE

151 Ellis Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. (404) 681-2552. FAX: (404) 577-1205. E-mail: info@care.org President: Peter D. Bell. Senior Vice President for Programs: Marc Lindenberg.

An international aid and self-help development organization. Responds to the needs of refugees and displaced persons in emergency situations through effective systems for delivering food and other aid. Also implements long-term development programs in health and nutrition education and natural resource management to improve living conditions and facilitate self-sufficiency among refugees, displaced persons, and repatriates. Has programs for refugees and/or internally displaced people in 20 countries worldwide.

Illinois

Exodus World Service

P.O. Box 620, Itasca, IL 60143-0620.(630) 307-1400 or 312-REFUGEE. FAX: (630) 307-1430. Executive Director: Heidi Moll Schoedel.

Nonprofit agency that focuses on fostering positive relationships between refugees and local community members. Exodus produces educational materials for individuals, churches, and community groups that heighten awareness of and sensitivity to refugees; designs and implements innovative programs that recruit material and volunteer assistance for refugees; and provides training to refugee service agencies on volunteer recruitment and training.

Heartland Alliance For Human Needs and Human Rights

208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL 60604. (312) 629-4500

Maryland

United States Catholic Conference/Catholic Relief Services (USCC/CRS)

209 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. (410) 625-2220. FAX: (410) 685-1635. E-mail: crs@catholicrelief.org Executive Director: Kenneth F. Hackett.

Official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. CRS assists persons on the basis of need, not creed, race, or nationality. Founded in 1943, its first mission provided food and shelter for World War II refugees. Has programs in 79 countries. CRS responds to emergencies and helps the poor overcome poverty, particularly in newly independent and developing countries. CRS programs include promotion of new farming techniques, loans for small businesses, and health and water projects. Peace-building and reconciliation, gender-responsive programs, and the development and strengthening of civil society are active parts of CRS's work in the promotion of social justice.

Minnesota

American Refugee Committee (ARC)

2344 Nicollet Ave. South, Suite350, Minneapolis, MN 55404.(612) 872-7060. FAX: (612) 872-4309. E-mail: archq@archq.org President and CEO: Anthony J. Kozlowski.

A private, nonprofit, nonsectarian, humanitarian organization providing health care, self-help training, and related services to more than one million refugees in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Through the use of volunteer specialists and staff, works to ensure the survival, health, and well-being of refugees and enables them to rebuild self-sufficient, productive lives of dignity and purpose, while respecting their values. Has programs underway in Bosnia, Cambodia, Croatia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, and Zaire.

Institute for Education and Advocacy

1730 Clifton Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403. (612) 871-6350. FAX: (612) 871-0630. E-mail: iea@ix.netcom.com Director: Rev. Joan Marie Dehzad.

Founded in 1991, a nonprofit human rights organization providing education, mentoring, social services, and advocacy to refugees and immigrants in Minnesota and New York City. The programs of the Institute are designed for persons from diverse languages and cultures to be fully engaged economically, politically, and socially in their new homeland.

New York

Center for Migration Studies

209 Flagg Place, Staten Island, NY 10304-1199. (718) 351-8800. FAX: (718) 667-4598. E-mail: cmslft@aol.com Executive Director: Lydio F.Tomasi.

Founded in 1964, encourages the interdisciplinary study of human migration and refugee movements through scientific research projects; publication of the quarterly International Migration Review, the bimonthly Migration World Magazine, and the annual In Defense of the Alien, as well as books, papers, and the CMS Newsletter; the CMS Annual National Legal Conference on Immigration and Refugee Policy in Washington, D.C.; other occasional national and international conferences on migration and refugees; and a specialized library and archives on migration and refugees.

Church World Service & Witness Immigration and Refugee Program

475 Riverside Dr., Room 652, New York, NY 10115.(212) 870-3300/2167. FAX: (212) 870-2132. E-mail: elizabeth_ferris. parti@ecunet.org Director: Elizabeth G. Ferris.

Responds ecumenically, as part of the National Council of Churches, to the plight of refugees, migrants, displaced persons, immigrants, and persons seeking asylum and safe haven. Resettles refugees and assists immigrants through network of 43 affiliate offices in cooperation with participating denominations. Provides first asylum services in the U.S. Supports and participates in the development of national and international policies and programs advocating protection for the uprooted. Works with ecumenical organizations worldwide, including the World Council of Churches.

Doctors Without Borders

c/o Médecins Sans Frontières USA, 11 East 26th St., Suite 1904, New York, NY 10010. (212) 679-6800. FAX: (212) 679-7016. Executive Director: Joelle Tanguy.

Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as Doctors Without Borders) is the world's largest private emergency medical aid organization, providing relief to victims of disasters and conflicts in more than 70 countries. Field missions are staffed by trained volunteers of 45 nationalities and managed by 6 operational centers supported by 18 chapters worldwide. Major programs involve assistance to refugee and displaced populations, surgical and medical programs in war zones, epidemic and famine warning and response programs, rehabilitation of medical infrastructures, and training of local staff. MSF, which has no political or religious affiliation, also speaks out on massive human rights abuses.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

122 E. 42nd Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10168-1289. (212) 551-3000. FAX: (212) 551-3180. President: Robert P. DeVecchi.

Founded over 60 years ago at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC is a nonsectarian, private voluntary agency that assists refugees worldwide. Assists refugees who are victims of racial, religious, and ethnic persecution and oppression, as well as people uprooted by war and violence. Also assists internally displaced populations within their own countries, refugees during repatriation, and refugees being resettled in third countries. In refugee emergencies, responds rapidly, delivering medical services, food, public health, and sanitation assistance essential to saving lives. When crisis has stabilized, establishes training programs and education, income-generating, and self-reliance projects that enable refugees to cope with life in exile. Programs operate in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Thailand as well as in 11 other countries. Also resettles more than 11,000 refugees annually in the United States through a domestic resettlement network of 17 offices as well as overseas refugee processing offices in Bangkok, Zagreb, Rome, Vienna, and Madrid.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)

390 Park Ave.South, New York, NY 10016-8803.(212) 532-6350. FAX: (212) 683-1329. E-Mail: lirs@lirs.org Executive Director: Ralston H. Deffenbaugh, Jr.

Founded in 1939 to resettle World War II refugees, LIRS is the national agency of Lutheran churches in the United States for brining new hope and new life to uprooted people. Programs include legislative advocacy; refugee resettlement; foster care for refugee minors; assistance for political asylum seekers; immigration training and counseling; and public education work. LIRS works through 26 local partner offices; 16 partner agencies to help unaccompanied minors; 32 ecumenical community based projects to help aylum seekers; immigration training to assist service providers; and support from thousands of volunteer sponsors, advocates and friends.

Travelers Aid Services

2 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10007. (212) 577-3806.

Women's Commission For Refugee Women and Children

c/o International Rescue Committee, 122 E. 42nd Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10168-1289. (212) 551-3088 FAX: (212) 551-3180. E-mail: wcrwc@intrescom.org Director: Mary Diaz.

Speaks on behalf of the tens of millions of women and children around the world who have been forced to flee their homes because of war, civil strife, or persecution. Serves as a technical adviser on reproductive health for refugees, protection and participation of refuee women, and protection of refugee children. Sends fact-finding delegations to refugee settings, testifies before Congress, and presents findings to UN officials and the U.S. and other governments. Founded in 1989 under the auspices of the International Rescue Committee.

World Relief Corporation

201 Rt 9W North, Congers, NY 10920. (914) 268-4135. FAX: (914) 268-2271. Vice President, USA Ministries & Refugee Affairs: Donald N. Hammond. E-mail: dhammond@xc.org Director of Refugee Programs: Peggy Gilbert. E-mail: gilbertpm@ aol.com

Overseas, provides relief and development assistance in countries of first asylum. Domestically, provided refugee resettlement to more than 8,000 individuals in FY 96. Also provides orientation and training to sponsoring churches, community groups, families, and individuals to assist the evangelical community to meet the needs of refugees. Provides assistance to the urban poor in several cities. Has a national network of 25 offices throughout the U.S.

Pennsylvania

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102. (215) 241-7000. FAX: (215) 241-7026. Executive Director: Kara Newell.

Quaker organization founded in 1917, supports reconciliation and development worldwide, especially in situations of conflict; provides relief and rehabilitation assistance to refugees in the context of community development; advocates for resolution of conflicts and for refugee rights throughout the world, including the U.S.

Virginia

Center for Multi-Cultural Human Services

701 West Broad Street, Suite 305, Falls Church, VA 22046. (703) 533-3302

The Salvation Army World Service Organization (SAWSO)

615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22313. (703) 684-5528. FAX: (703) 684-5536. E-mail: sawso@cais.com Executive Director: Harden White.

Provides technical assistance and support through indigenous Salvation Army affiliates in developing countries. Supports self-help initiatives that address the underlying causes of poverty, including programs for community development, leadership development and training, health, employment, and disaster relief/reconstruction. With the aim to assist victims to return to a more normal existence as quickly as possible, disaster relief and reconstruction aid are critical elements in promoting self-help development. Assistance is available in the 102 countries and territories in which the Salvation Army operates.

Washington D.C.

American Council For Voluntary International Action (InterAction)

1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20036. (202) 667-8227. FAX: (202) 667-8236. E-mail: ia@interaction.org President and CEO: Julia V. Taft. Program Manager for the Committee on Migration & Refugee Affairs: Berta J. Romero.

Membership association of 160 U.S. private and voluntary organizations working in humanitarian emergency relief, refugee protection, assistance, and resettlement, international development, public policy and federal relations, and development education. Member agencies participate in committees and working groups, including: Migration and Refugee Affairs; Disaster Response; Advocacy and Education; Committee on Development Policy and Practice; Commission on the Advancement of Women; PVO Standards; Telecommunications; and Media.

American Red Cross

2025 E Street,NW, Washington, DC 20006.(202) 728-6600. FAX: (202) 728-6404. Chairman: Norman R. Augustine. International Social Services Director: Mary-Lou McCutcheon. (202) 728-6670. International Relief Division: Gerald Jones. (202) 728-6600. E-mail: jonesg@usa.red-cross.org Works in cooperation with 170 Red Cross/Red Crescent and Magen David Adom of Israel and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Assists refugees in locating missing family members through its tracing and social services. Other Red Cross programs include international disaster preparedness and relief, and development of other Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies.

Immigration and Refugee Service of America

1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036. (202) 797-2105. FAX: (202) 797-2363. E-mail: irsa@irsa-uscr.org Executive Director: Roger P. Winter.

Nonsectarian organization with 75-year history of service to refugees, immigrants, and others in migration. Thirty-six community-based affiliates located throughout the U.S. provide refugee resettlement, immigration counseling, and other supportive services meant to ease the burden of transition both for the newcomers and the communities receiving them. Agencies provide asylum representation and advocate on behalf of the rights of immigrants and refugees. Also conducts refugee program in Saudi Arabia and supports a program for returnees in Rwanda. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Refugee Voices are programs of IRSA.

Refugees International

2639 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008. (202) 828-0110. FAX: (202) 828-0819. E-Mail: ri@refintl.org Executive Director: Lionel Rosenblatt.

Refugees International seeks to serve as the advocate of the unrepresentedthe refugee. We save lives and alleviate suffering by anticipating and responding to humanitarian crises around the world. RI mixes quiet diplomacy with the power of the press to catalyze public and private action. Our on-the-ground emergency assessments pave the way for relief agencies and human rights organizations to step in with life-saving measures. RI accepts no government or UN funds.

United States Catholic Conference/Migration and Refugee Services (ASCC/MRS)

3211 4th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017. (202) 541-3352. FAX: (202) 541-3399. Executive Director: John Swenson.

Public policy and social action agency of the U. S. Catholic Conference, carries out Church policy on migration, refugee, and immigration issues. Provides program support and regional coordination for a network of 132 diocesan refugee resettlement offices. Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees provides the pastoral foundation for all MRS programs and assists the Bishops in encouraging the integration of immigrants, migrants, and refugees into the life and mission of the local Church. The Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) ensures that all newcomers have access to affordable immigration related services.

U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR)

U.S.Committee for Refugees (USCR), 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036. (202) 347-3507. FAX: (202) 347-3418. E-mail: uscr@irsa-uscr.org Director: Roger P.Winter.

Public information program of Immigration and Refugee Services of America.

 


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