LUTHERAN

SERVICES

FLORIDA

changing lives daily
 



 

 

CENTRAL SERVICES

3627A West Waters Ave.

Tampa, FL 33614

800.651.1853 or 813.875.1408

Fax 813.875.1302

 

Refugee Resettlement

Immigration Services, Matching Grant

 

The goal of the LSF Matching Grant Program is to help refugees (Amerasians, Cuban and Haitian entrants, asylees, and certified victims of trafficking) become self-sufficient within four months without utilizing public assistance.

To accomplish this goal, Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) matches the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) grant with cash and in-kind contributions of goods and services donated by the sponsors and/or the community.

To be eligible for assistance from the Matching Grant Program, applicants must:

  • Provide documentary proof of status as a refugee, asylee, Cuban or Haitian entrant, Amerasian, or victim of trafficking

  • Enroll in the Matching Grant Program within 31 days of the date of receiving notice of eligibility

  • Be employable or at least one member of their refugee family unit must be employable

This program was established in 1989 in response to the need for affordable immigration counseling and assistance services. LSF counselors and accredited Internal Naturalization Services representatives help immigrants navigate the complex documentation process and also help those who want to become US citizens.

The Program has served more than 12,000 people since it began. LSF Counselors assist clients with:

  • Work Permits

  • Immigrant Petitions

  • Applications for Citizenship

  • Family Unity Program

  • General Immigration Counseling

 

REFUGEE SERVICES

 

Since 1982, Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) has served more than 150,000 refugees who fled religious and political persecution in oppressed countries. LSF helps newcomers from Vietnam, Cuba, Bosnia, Kosovo and many other nations resettle in communities throughout Florida.

Most refugees arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing, but they bring with them the dream of a better life. The services provided by LSF Resettlement Staff give refugee families new hope and the opportunity to build a better future with freedom. The goal of the Program is to help refugees become self-sufficient so they can care for their families on their own.

Services include:

  • Housing Assistance

  • Translation and English as a Second Language Tutoring

  • Referrals to Medical Professionals and Other Service Providers

  • Employment Services and Referrals Cultural Orientation

  • Mentoring Services

  • Linking Refugees with Church and Community Groups

  • Matching Grants

  • Case management

 

CASE MANAGEMENT
 

Lutheran Services Florida is the lead agency in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties providing Case Management services free of charge to refugee/entrants who have arrived in the United States within the past five (5) years.

Helping newcomers resettle into their new communities and adjust to a new culture so that ultimately they can become self-sufficient is the goal of the Program. To achieve this goal, multilingual LSF Case Managers begin by assessing clients' needs. After the initial needs assessment, LSF Case Managers provide client with referrals to appropriate service providers within their community and continue to monitor clients' progress.

Client referrals include:

  • Employment Assistance

  • Educational Opportunities

  • Medical Services

  • Mental Health Counseling Assistance

  • Refugee/Immigration Services

  • Other Social Services

All services to refugee/entrants in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties are provided free of charge.
 


If you...

 

...Have marital problems and need help

...Have problems with your children

...Are a victim of domestic violence

...Have experienced trauma: incarceration, torture, or abuse

...Are homesick for your country and need to talk with someone

...Know that your children are having problems in school

...Do not have family members or friends in this country...
 

...we can help you.
 


This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement and administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Refugee Services.

 

 

Locations & Contact Info Here

Tampa, Miami, Longwood
 

To schedule a confidential appointment, call:
Lutheran Services Florida
Case Management Services Program
3625 W. Waters Ave.
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: (813) 877-9303
Fax: (813) 877-2044

OR

Catholic Charities Diocese

of St. Petersburg
1213 16th Street N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: (727) 893-1311
Fax: (727) 893-1309

 

 

 

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