Refugee One

Refugee One has resettled refugees arriving in the Chicago metropolitan area since 1982. Its mission is to create opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance. Each year, it provides 2,500 refugees with the resources needed to achieve independence in as few as six to nine months, along with a foundation for stability and success in the years that follow. This general operations award enables Refugee One to advance its goals as related to serving Ukrainians who fled their country of origin after the February 2022 invasion by Russia, as well as to address emerging needs at a time when thousands of refugees and migrants are seeking protection in the metropolitan area.

RefugeeOne serves refugees sent to Chicago by the U.S. Department of State by offering them food, transportation, and other wrap-around services for three to six months, to help connect them to local social service agencies and integrate them into the local workforce. This grant, awarded under the Foundation’s Holiday Award program, supports RefugeeOne’s Strengthening Families program, which provides intensive support so that employable family members can focus on job placement by ensuring that youth are succeeding in school; mothers are successfully managing households and supporting children; and seniors have access to health services.