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Community Connection

Refugee & Immigrant Support

header image, group of smiling refugees

Welcoming New Americans

Our Center for New Americans is a Global Refuge Partner dedicated to welcoming and supporting refugees and immigrants as they begin new lives in South Dakota. We work closely with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to provide comprehensive services, advocacy, and personalized assistance to help refugees overcome challenges, build self-sufficiency, and integrate successfully into their communities.

Alongside our Multi-Cultural Center (MCC), our team of dedicated professionals and volunteers strive to create a safe and accepting community where people of all cultural backgrounds have access to resources they need to thrive.
 

Comprehensive Resources

Our dedicated team of case managers works closely with individuals and families, addressing their unique needs and assisting them in accessing the resources and services necessary for a successful transition to their new lives.

  • Housing & Utility Assistance
  • Health Assessments
  • Food Distribution 
  • Community Orientation
  • Employment/Job Search
  • Service Referrals & Coordination
  • Access to Benefits & Documentation
  • Advocacy and Support
  • Empowerment & Self-Sufficiency

     

Get Involved

Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities include mentoring families, assisting in English classes, or contributing to special projects like sorting donations or making blankets.


Household Donations

Refugees often come with only what they can carry. A gift of a sofa or dinner table to a refugee family transforms a room into a home. From empty spaces to warm places, gifts of all kinds make a difference. Consider a donation of household items, kitchen supplies, and cleaning products today.

Call us at 605-731-2056 if you have items you would like to donate.

DROP-OFF SITE:
300 E. 6th Street, Sioux Falls
Monday through Friday
8:30am - 4pm
 

 

Downloadable Resources

Direct Resettlement Legislative Report 2023
Fact Sheet
Refugee Screening Flow Chart
Refugee Security Screening Fact Sheet 
DHS Uniting for Ukraine
USCIS Uniting for Ukraine

Services

Education Services

  • English Classes

    English Classes are offered morning, afternoon, and evening. Students can attend in-person or online. Classes are free for adults 18 years and older. Classes are available for all levels of English ability. These English Language Classes help refugees and immigrants acclimate to life in their new community. Our educators use real-life situations to teach essential skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English.

  • Citizenship Classes

    Free Citizenship Classes are offered mornings and evenings serving all levels of English ability. Our citizenship classes prepare refugees and immigrants for the naturalization process by teaching them about U.S. history, government, and civic responsibilities. Participants gain a clear understanding of the steps to citizenship, practice for the naturalization interview, and build the confidence needed to succeed. These classes inspire a sense of belonging and equip individuals to fully participate in their communities as engaged citizens.

  • Workforce Training Classes

    Many special ESL classes at LSS help students reach their goals for employment and further education. Classes include: Pre-GED, Driver Permit, Computers, Business, Childcare, Job Training, Nursing/Pre-CNA, Medical Terminology, Pronunciation, and Workplace English. Contact us for class schedules and availability.

  • Cultural Orientation

    Our orientation classes provide refugees with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate their new environment confidently. Topics include understanding local laws and customs, accessing healthcare, utilizing public transportation, managing finances, and more. These classes empower participants to feel at home in their community and build a strong foundation for their future.

To register for English, Workforce, or Citizenship Classes, call 605-731-2000, text 605-403-7813, or complete the form below.

 

Immigration Services

Our Immigration Specialists provide legal services to help refugees and immigrants understand their rights and navigate their immigration processes with legal representation.


Employment Services

Our employment services assist refugees and immigrants in gaining employment or vocational skills through job placement services, skills assessment, resume building, interview preparation, and vocational training opportunities.

Our team can help you find and apply for jobs, interview, and follow up with employers.
 


  • Employers are invited to share their job opportunities for refugees and immigrants with LSS. To post a job opportunity, fill out the form using this link.

“LSS made me feel like I was at home. It was a completely judge-free zone. They made me feel like I was a person—that I could be seen.”

Larry – English Class Student
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