Syrian Refugee Family To Be Welcomed Into Lancaster County
By Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- President Obama recently announced he will allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States, starting in October.
The country's civil war started more than four years ago, and now one Syrian family, who has been waiting three years for help, will touch down in Lancaster County on Monday.
The U.S. has accepted only about 1,500 Syrians since civil war broke out. This particular family has nine members, two adults and seven children.
The Church World Service (CWS) is on of nine nationwide organizations that helps place refugees and immigrants here in America. Sheila Mastropietro works the CWS Lancaster Office, and heads their immigration and refugee program.
"When the U.S. agrees to accept a refugee, they go through a whole battery of security checks," said Mastropietro, "background checks, health exams before they are determined they are allowed to enter the U.S."
The CWS pairs families with a local church who will help fund their stay over a three-month period.
"The church will often go in, and set up the apartment. They will take them to apply for Social Security cards, register the children in school, get the adults into ESL class" said Mastropietro. "We have two jobs programs, so we will help them find a job. But the church will do orientation to the city, they may give them driving lessons, show them how to go shopping."
She said once the three months are over, the families are usually able to sustain themselves.