Running Head: PORTLAND REFUGEE
2-3 Final Project Milestone One
HSE 101
SNHU
November 6,2022
PORTLAND REFUGEE a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
a a a a a a a a a a a 2
• The specific agency that I have chosen where I would like to get employed is the ‘Portland
Refugee Support Group.’ The agency has committed itself to empower refugees by extending
social support as well as education (Our mission. Portland Refugee Support Group, 2021). I have
chosen the specific agency since its mission is to help its clients and service users navigate a path
to lead a successful life in the United States of America. The core values that the agency focuses
on have played an instrumental role and drawn me towards its dedicated services. Its chief values
include respect, diversity and inclusion, integrity, compassion, trust, collaboration and
community.
• While making the selection of the agency, I also considered other agencies such as
Lutheran Community Services Northwest Portland and Community Pathways, Inc. (CPI).
However, I decided against choosing these agencies since I felt the scope of their services was
broad, and it could be overwhelming for me to engage with a broad range of service users who are
in a vulnerable position.
• I have chosen to be employed at the ‘Portland Refugee Support Group’ agency since it has
dedicated itself to creating and offering services for people who are mostly neglected in society.
Refugees and immigrants are one of the most vulnerable groups that exist in the community. The
lack of services that are designed for them increases their desperate situation, and they do not get
an opportunity to get out of their situation. The Portland Refugee Support Group is committed to
creating a community setting where refugees can feel safe and will be empowered to lead a life of
dignity, respect and safety. By working in the agency, I will get an opportunity to engage and
interact with refugees and play an instrumental role in offering quality social support services to
them. One of the main highlights of the agency is the integration of a diverse range of programs
that intend to meet specific needs of refugees. For example, Supplement Nutrition Assistance
PORTLAND REFUGEE a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
a a a a a a a a a a a 3
Program (SNAP) offers food-purchasing assistance to no-income and low-income people in the
nation. Similarly, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program has been
designed to offer cash assistance to low-income families with kids. By joining the agency, I will
get an opportunity to become an active part of such programs and bring about a positive change in
the lives of refugees.
• The Portland Refugee Support Group is mainly responsible for offering social support
services along with educational services to refugees in the community setting. One of the chief
services revolves around building community connections where training is offered to community
members to establish a trust-based relationship among refugees. Community wellness services
involve counseling sessions for adults and children. Community education initiatives are taken to
help clients learn English and thereby take an important step towards integration into the
community. The agency also offers emergency financial assistance to its clients so that they can
lead their life on a positive path (What we do. Portland Refugee Support Group, 2021).
• In the selected agency, a diverse range of professionals exist to offer integrated services to
the service users. Volunteer coordinators play a key role in ensuring that the volunteers get an
opportunity to take part in community activities and enhance the quality of social services that are
extended to refugees. Community Health workers are responsible for assessing the health needs
of refugees and devising an effective care plan to improve their health status. The agency also
creates an opportunity for volunteers to play a proactive role in engaging with refugees in the
region and establishing trust-based relationships with them. Professionals with diverse skills and
knowledge work in the agency to offer high-quality integrated human services to refugees.
PORTLAND REFUGEE a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
a a a a a a a a a a a 4
References
Maine shared Community Health Needs Assessment. Maine CHNA | Public Health Data | Maine
CDC. (2021). Retrieved November 1, 2022, from
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/phdata/MaineCHNA/
Our mission. Portland Refugee Support Group. (2021). Retrieved November 1, 2022, from
https://www.pdxrsg.org/-our-mission.html
What we do. Portland Refugee Support Group. (2021). Retrieved November 1, 2022, from
https://www.pdxrsg.org/what-we-do.html
