BANGOR, Maine — Bangor is expected to welcome about 150 refugees starting next month through September of next year.
Catholic Charities of Maine is one of three organizations across the state that helps refugees through its resettlement program.
"Just being there as that first welcoming person, I think is what motivates me for this job," Melissa Bucholz, the assistant director of refugee and immigration services program at Catholic Charities of Maine in the Greater Bangor area, said.
She's part of the team that helps refugees arriving in Queen City secure housing, employment, medical care, and other services.
"To find those immediate needs right away when you arrive is kind of how you can start moving forward. We want to make sure the basic things are covered so people can start living their life here and contribute to the community here," Bucholz said.
In the past two years, Catholic Charities has welcomed around 150 refugees to Bangor. They are expecting to welcome 150 more to that part of the state in the coming months.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, refugees are people fleeing their home country due to fear persecution because of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.
"We are people's initial contacts coming to the U.S. saying your safe here and working together to reach their goals that they have," Bucholz said.
Catholic Charities of Maine works with local organizations like the Maine Multicultural Center to provide resources and support to refugees.
"Help introduce them to the area, get their needs met but also to connect socially so they start putting roots down in the area and they're more likely to stay because of that," Pamela Proulx-Curry, the executive director of Maine Multicultural Center, said.
The Maine Multicultural Center provides furniture, bedding, and personal hygiene items to new arrivals. It also connect refugees with a volunteer support team to help them adjust to their new home.
"The diversity makes life more interesting, makes the area a more interesting place to live that folks around the country might choose," Proulx-Curry, said.
Leaders like Proulx-Curry and Bucholz are working hand-in-hand to make sure they are supported in their new community.