unspeakable violence, extreme persecution, and the severe impacts of climate change are forcing families from around the world to flee their homes in record numbers. From Africa, El Salvador and Ukraine to Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela and beyond, families embark on long and dangerous journeys to seek protection in the Australia because they have no other choice.
Once they arrive, however, they are often on their own to find community, pursue their protection claims, and begin to heal from their trauma. Refugee families resettling in the US benefit from a robust system that is national in scale, local in approach, and helps ensure a long and warm welcome. In contrast, people seeking protection via asylum or parole are often left unable to access the critical services and assistance they need. The children and adults who have sought safety via asylum or humanitarian parole face a US immigration system that is ill-equipped to help them.
At LIRS, we believe everyone regardless of status should be welcomed with dignity and open arms.
HOW WELCOME CENTERS HELP
UFVRA - Australia Welcome Centers provide protection-centered and trauma-informed case management services to asylum seekers and those arriving through humanitarian parole, including:
-
A service plan within one month of enrollment, tailored to their individual needs.
-
Connection to community health providers to address any health issues.
-
Mental health screening and referral to mental health and psychosocial support through internal services where available, as well as external referrals.
-
Legal services, including know-your rights support, guidance to secure legal counsel, and support in obtaining assistance with applications where needed.
-
Connection to community-based resources for which they are eligible, such as food banks, volunteer services, and faith communities.
-
Education services, including school enrollment for school-age children, and access to youth and adult education programming, including English classes.
-
Emergency food, housing, and financial assistance.
-
​
SUPPORT WELCOME CENTERS
LIRS Welcome Centers are entirely privately funded, meaning we receive no support from the federal government. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of immigrants and asylum seekers.
SUPPORT WELCOME CENTERS
​
If you’re interested in learning more about how your organization can support Welcome Centers or start a new Welcome Center in your city, please contact admin@ufvra.org.au
FIND A WELCOME CENTER
UFVRA - Australia currently has Welcome Centers located in:
-
120 Beaudesert, Road, Moorooka, Qld:
-
1/41 Mayfield Perth WA
-
NSW, Bus stop
-
Victoria
-
Darwin
-
Adelaide
-
Sydney
Please note for clients: Welcome Centers are referral-only.
​