PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release

11/25/2015

Contact: Kimlee Sureemee, Asst. Manager of Policy, Advocacy & Development |kimlee.sur@asiaohio.org | (216)881-0330×8811

 

ASIA, INC. STANDS WITH SYRIAN REFUGEES

ASIA, Inc. and other Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland (RSC) Members advocate for continued resettlement

Cleveland, OH – In 2014, Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland (RSC) member agencies were involved in resettling, welcoming and integrating 700+ refugees in Northeast Ohio. RSC is comprised of three Cuyahoga County refugee resettlement agencies and area school systems, healthcare providers, community and faith-based organizations, and representatives from Cuyahoga County and Cleveland City Council.

By definition, refugees are people and families in Cleveland because they faced a serious threat to their safety in their former homes. These new Clevelanders know personally the horrors of war and injustice. They’ve witnessed firsthand the destruction of their homes and businesses, the abuse and murder of family members and friends, and the total loss of basic human rights.

The tragic events in Paris last week have placed a spotlight in Cleveland on the plight of refugees, the people and families we’re proud to call friends, coworkers and neighbors.

Historically, our country has led the way globally in welcoming refugees, who are resilient survivors. Those coming to Cleveland now are no exception. They are eager to rebuild their lives, keep their families and newfound communities safe and participate fully in the American ideals of freedom, personal responsibility and opportunity. Studies has proven that refugees are an economic engine. RSC commissioned an impact study in 2012 demonstrating refugees and those who assist their resettlement yielded  a 10 to 1 return on economic investment for Northeast Ohio. Moreover, refugees stemmed Cleveland’s population loss by 3% from 2000-2010.

RSC will continue to advocate for all refugees and their continued resettlement in our community. Their presence strengthens Northeast Ohio’s cultural diversity, deepens our labor and talent pool, and helps position Cleveland as the community we know it can be — a vibrant and welcoming 21st century international city unhindered by fear, a city eager to embrace law-abiding, responsible residents, regardless of the manner in which they arrive here. To learn more, visit the RSC website at www.rsccleveland.org and follow us on Facebook (Refugee Services of Greater Cleveland) and Twitter (@RefugeeServeCLE). To speak with ASIA’s RSC representative, contact Michael Byun at mbyun@asiaohio.org or (216)881-0330

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Asian Services In Action
Founded in 1995, Asian Services In Action’s mission is to empower and advocate for Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs); and to provide AAPIs access to quality, culturally, and linguistically appropriate information and services. Visit www.asiaohio.org to learn more.

Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland
RSC is a group of Cleveland organizations that have joined together to better serve the rising numbers of refugees resettling in Northeast Ohio. It includes the three Cuyahoga County refugee resettlement agencies and area school systems, healthcare providers, and community and faith-based organizations.