The Reality of Refugees

Refugees are people who are outside their country of nationality and are afraid to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution for reason of race, religion, membership in a social group or political opinion. Forced to flee out of fear for their lives, refugees often give up everything; home, belongings, family and country – for an uncertain future in a foreign land. When they arrive, the Regina Open Door Society helps them in the process of resettlement.

What Is The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)?

Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) are helped to settle in Canada through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). When GARs arrive, Regina Open Door Society’s Settlement Workers meet them at the airport and take them to Reception House, a place of temporary accommodations. These refugees stay in a Reception House for a few weeks until permanent homes are found. The Settlement Workers also meet with the newcomers to assess their education, language and health needs. Once newcomers get permanent housing, RODS workers help newcomers learn how to live in Canada: how to pay rent; how to get a bank account; where to buy food; how to take the bus; how to get a doctor. It is the first phase of a newcomer’s integration into Canadian society.

What Services Are Offered To Government Assisted Refugees?

• Reception at the airport and transportation to Reception House
• Assistance with food and basic household needs
• Assessment of education, language and health needs
• Assistance toward permanent accommodation
• Information and orientation sessions and workshops
• Instruction on basic life skills
• Visits during the first year
• Introduction to service providers in the community
• Assistance with special needs, like interpretation, translation, and transportation

Contact:

For more information, contact Oudalay Senevonghachack, Settlement and Family Services Manager at (306) 352-3500 or osn@rods.sk.ca.