A local refugee resettlement agency says it will work better with its clients and the community after recent Cubans immigrants expressed concerns about how the program is managed.
"We have a job, but each one of us personally is committed to go beyond the requirements and simple basic things to help them achieve self-sufficiency," said Marina Peshterianu, office coordinator for Bridge Refugee and Sponsorship Services in Chattanooga.
Some Cuban refugees who arrived recently in Chattanooga say the agency hasn't done enough to help them start their new lives in the United States.
"When we first arrived, they gave us $30 for a family of five," said Pedro Fumero, who arrived with his wife Mayelin Posada and three children -- ages 5, 16 and 18 -- on Sept. 10, 2009.
"We came with two boys who had never had the freedom to eat meat, who are in their prime development stage, and it would take several calls before (Bridge) brought us food," he said in his Southside apartment.
Mr. Fumero is the former president of a human rights association in Cuba.
Each apartment is stocked with at least $100 worth of groceries before a family's arrival, said Mrs. Peshterianu, and additional cash is provided as needed.
Some people have expressed concern that the Cuban refugees didn't have co-sponsors -- usually a church or group of people who agrees to help a family through the first three months -- before their arrivals.
"What worries me the most is that they are leaving them to fend for themselves," said Mirtha Jones, a Cuba native and director of La Plaza Comunitaria, a program where many of the Cubans study English.
"What I would like to see is better communication between the main agency, the local agency, the refugees and the community."
BY THE NUMBERS* 135: Total number of refugees expected to be resettled in Chattanooga in fiscal year 2010* 48: Number of Cuban refugees expected to be resettled in fiscal year 2010* 51: Number of Cuban refugees already here from fiscal years 2009 and 2010Source: Bridge Refugee and Sponsorship ServicesHOW THE PROGRAM WORKS* The goal of the program is to assist refugees in achieving economic self-sufficiency as soon as possible.* Bridge shepherds family members through the first six months after their arrival.* For the first 30 days after a family's arrival, the agency provides housing, essential furnishings, food or a food allowance, necessary clothing, referral to appropriate health programs, assistance in applying for Social Security cards, assistance in registering children for school, transportation to job interviews and job training.* For the first 90 days, refugees are provided orientation on public services and facilities, public transportation and the role of the agency or any other group assisting in sponsorship.* The agency also receives funding from the Tennessee Office for Refugees to assist clients up to five years with employment services, social adjustment services, referrals to English as a Second Language classes or other social service agencies as needed.Source: U.S. Department of State, Bridge Refugee and Sponsorship Services
Mrs. Peshterianu said she's willing to meet with anyone interested in learning about how the program works because the agency cannot function without help.
Justin Jones, volunteer coordinator with Bridge who's not related to Mirtha Jones, said they try to find co-sponsors for each family but, due to the economic situation, churches are having a difficult time themselves.
A co-sponsor assists with furnishing an apartment, initial employment, providing transportation and introducing the family to the area, among other things, according to Bridge's website.
Out of 20 churches Mr. Jones has contacted, two committed to full co-sponsorship, he said, while others tied to help with transportation, monetary contributions or other donations.
The Bridge also trains a base of volunteers to help some of the families, he said.
Ramon Morales, who arrived with his wife Erelis Marquez and stepson Jorge Gallo in March, said refugees are told something very different in Cuba.
"They say they are going to take you shopping, you are going to have a fully furnished home, that someone is going to teach you the (American) system, but you get here and it's not true," he said.
"I understand if they can't help, but at least I would like for them to come and say, 'I can't get you what you want or need but we will work at it,'" he said.
Every apartment is furnished with the essentials including a kitchen table and a chair per person, toiletries and linens, said Mrs. Peshterianu, and when possible, are given more.
Mr. Fumero said he has no personal grudge against Bridge's case managers.
"Maybe the root of the problem has nothing to do with them, but it's coming from somewhere," he said.
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