For decades, Catholic Community Services of Utah has welcomed refugees fleeing war, persecution, and crisis—offering a safe place to land, a community to grow in, and the tools to begin again. Earlier this month, we shared the difficult news that our Refugee Resettlement program would wind down due to a loss of federal funding.
But something remarkable happened. Our community rallied.
Thanks to a generous lead gift and an outpouring of support from individuals, foundations, and partners, CCS will continue offering resettlement services through a new, privately funded model. This transition allows us to continue providing critical services—such as housing assistance, case management, employment support, and more—to recently arrived refugee families in Utah.
A total of $1.5 million has been pledged to sustain this work on a smaller scale over the next four years. To fully realize this vision, CCS is now calling on the broader community to help raise an additional $1 million.
While the program will operate at a reduced capacity, its core services—and the impact on the lives of those we serve—remain as vital as ever. This transformation ensures we can uphold our mission while adapting to a changing national landscape.
Questions You May Have
Why was CCS going to close the Refugee Resettlement program?
Federal funding cuts eliminated over $2.5 million in annual support that CCS relied on to operate its Refugee Resettlement program. Without it, CCS could not sustain the program.
What changed?
A groundswell of private generosity—led by a transformative $1.5 million in secured funds—has opened the door to the opportunity to transition the program to being community-supported rather than reliant on federal funding.
Will CCS be enrolling new refugee clients?
The United States government has currently paused the arrival of new refugees to the country. Therefore, we are not currently enrolling new clients. Should refugee admissions resume, we will be able to enroll additional clients.
What services will refugee clients receive?
The program will focus on six key pillars:
- Extended Case Management
- Housing Assistance
- Employment Readiness
- Youth Education Support
- Mental Health Services
- Volunteer Coordination & Community Engagement
These services aim to address the most urgent needs of refugee families and foster long-term self-sufficiency.
How will the $2.5 million be allocated over four years?
Most of the funding will be allocated to staffing—supporting the salaries of experienced professionals who provide direct services such as case management, job development, youth education, and mental health support. The funds will also cover direct assistance to clients. A smaller portion will be allocated to the administrative costs necessary to operate the program effectively.
What happens if the remaining $1 million isn’t raised?
Without the additional $1 million in funds, CCS will be forced to scale back services and make further cuts to the program. Full sustainability depends on meeting this goal.
What is the plan if federal funding becomes available again?
If federal support is reinstated, CCS hopes to restore the Refugee Resettlement program to its previous capacity. Concurrently, we would maintain aspects of the new community-supported model, creating a sustainable public-private partnership.
How You Can Help
Donate
We need your help to raise the remaining $1 million to ensure the continuation of these essential services. To donate, visit ccsutah.org/donate or contact Aden Batar, Director of Migration and Refugee Services, at
Volunteer
Our greatest volunteer need is for Refugee Family Mentors—compassionate individuals willing to walk alongside refugee families as they adjust to life in Utah. Learn more and explore all volunteer opportunities here.
Stories That Inspire
Want to see the impact of refugee resettlement firsthand? Read about the journeys of a few of the remarkable individuals and families we’ve served:
These stories reflect the resilience, courage, and hope of Utah’s refugee community—and the importance of continuing this mission.
Even as funding models shift, our mission remains the same: to provide help and create hope. This new chapter is a testament to the power of community and the shared belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Thank you for standing with refugee families.
