Refugee Services Section

The ODJFS Refugee Services Section funds, coordinates, and monitors services and benefits provided by social service agencies, county departments of job and family services, and medical organizations for the resettlement and health screening of refugee populations in the five Ohio counties (Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Summit) that receive the overwhelming majority of refugees.  These services and benefits assist refugees with integration into American society, and are designed to meet initial, basic needs with cash assistance and medical care.  They also assist with employment, language, and acculturation to reach the goal of self-support and financial independence.  Services are provided by the county or through a contract between the county department of job and family services (CDJFS) and local service providers.  All program funding comes through the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.

The Refugee Services Section is responsible for coordination of public and private resources for refugee resettlement.  The Section works with resettlement agencies, the Ohio Department of Health, and medical entities as well as other state departments, local county departments, community organizations, and special refugee groups.  The Section manages grant agreements with private organizations and other state agencies to provide health screening for newly arrived refugees, employment training, and targeted services such as services for older adults.  The Section also facilitates the Ohio Refugee Advisory Council (ORAC).  Within the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Refugee Services Section is located in the Office of Family Stability and the Bureau of Program Integration & Coordination. 

To Contact Us:

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Refugee Services Section
Evelyn Bissonette, Chief
50 West Town Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 182709
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2709
Telephone:614-466-4815
Fax: 614-728-0761
Refugee@odjfs.state.oh.us