Our mission is to foster growth, integration, and self-sufficiency by providing financial, technical, and professional support to refugees and the agencies that serve them in the State of Tennessee.
Who We Are
Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) is a department of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, designated and funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to administer the state refugee resettlement program.
Through contracted services, technical assistance, and administrative support, TOR partners with refugee resettlement agencies, clinics, and other agencies that provide direct services to refugees, asylees, victims of trafficking, Amerasians, and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders who make Tennessee their home.
TOR has helped thousands of displaced persons feel at home in Tennessee. As these new arrivals begin to rebuild their lives here in our state, they have the same goals as any other Tennessean: creating a home, enjoying life, and achieving dreams. The circumstances that led them to leave their home country may differ from person to person, but all need a new place to start again.
Services
The main function of refugee services in Tennessee is to promote integration and early self-sufficiency. Learn more about the services we administer.
Case Management
All Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funded programs have a case management component intended to facilitate the holistic provision of services, ensuring that each ORR-eligible individual receives coordinated and effective interventions designed to meet their specific situation.
Elders
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funded Refugee Elders programming focuses on assisting ORR-eligible individuals aged 60 and above with case management tailored to their specific needs, connecting them with community resources to support independent living, health, and well-being, as well as civic engagement.
Employment
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funds the Refugee Support Services (RSS) program to assist ORR-eligible individuals in securing suitable employment. These services are designed not only to help individuals find employment but also to improve their understanding of the job search and retention process. Services include an orientation to employer expectations in the United States, resume-building skills, pre-interview coaching, transportation to and from interviews, and follow-up with both the employer and the new employee.
Additionally, the TOR funds Refugee Career Pathways programming that supports ORR-eligible populations in accessing professional and skilled career opportunities through individualized career planning, training, credentialing, and job placement services. The program aims to reduce barriers to employment and promote long-term economic self-sufficiency by aligning participants’ skills and goals with in-demand careers in the United States.
English Language Instruction
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funds English language instruction programs to help ORR-eligible populations improve their ability to read, write, and speak English. English proficiency is an essential aspect of integration. Being able to converse comfortably increases employment opportunities, one’s ability to access community resources, and participation in everyday activities with their neighbors.
Health
Medical Screenings
All refugees undergo a comprehensive medical examination before arriving in the United States. Domestic medical screenings are available to all ORR-eligible clients upon their arrival. Domestic medical screenings include physical exams, testing for communicable diseases, treatment and linkage to continuing care for chronic conditions, basic mental health evaluations, and all necessary vaccinations.
Refugee Health Promotion
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funds Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) programming to promote the health and well-being of newcomers. The three primary RHP goals are to coordinate physical and mental health care, increase health literacy, and organize wellness groups. TOR works towards these goals by providing Medical Case Management (MCM), targeted health outreach, and peer support groups.
Refugee Cash Assistance
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) provides Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) to all ORR-eligible clients for up to twelve months after they arrive in the United States. RCA serves as financial support for individuals not eligible for other federal cash assistance, helping them meet their basic needs for the months following their arrival or until their income exceeds 150% of the federal poverty level. Cash assistance is issued to clients each month in an amount determined by both the number of individuals in the client’s case and their current income and resources. All employable adults receiving RCA must also be actively participating in an employment program.
Youth and Schools
School Impact
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funds activities that lead to the effective integration and education of children through the Refugee School Impact program (RSI). Through this program, parents and students participate in orientations to the United States school system, and teachers and school administrators attend training sessions about refugee populations and expectations. RSI funding provides for a school liaison as a resource for schools and parents. In addition, RSI funds after-school and summer academic programming and activities.
Youth Mentoring
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funded Refugee Youth Mentoring Program (YM) promotes positive civic and social engagement, supports individual educational and vocational achievement, and supports individual educational and vocational advancement by connecting refugee youth with supportive members of their community. The program focuses on matching youth aged 15 to 24 with adult mentors to help them develop and further their educational and career goals.
Wilson-Fish TANF Coordination Program
The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) funded Wilson-Fish TANF Coordination Program (WF-TCP) provides statewide supportive services that facilitate and enhance access to TANF and ORR-funded benefits and services for TANF-eligible ORR populations. These services help individuals obtain the resources and life skills to become self-sufficient and achieve sustained social and economic well-being.
