Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Refugees Escape a Life of Destruction with Renewed Hope to Find a Better Life in
Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fl. Displaced societies are of value, their issues are our issues, says Cynthia
Basinet, an American singer and social change activist.
Each year up to 70,000 refugees enter the United States with the hope of escaping torture,
rape and other instabilities. Approximately 1,300 of them resettle in Jacksonville with renewed
hope for a better future.
However, there are many obstacles that stand in their way such as lack of employment,
healthcare and translators to assist with communication. More than anything, a shortage of
healthcare workers to administer needed medical services are a part of the challenge. More
healthcare volunteers are needed to help fill the gap of medical needs for refugees, says Kasey
Guenther, refugee youth program coordinator at Lutheran Social Services.
LSS is a faith-based social service ministry focused on improving the quality of life for people
in need in the Jacksonville area. The refugee service program was established in 1980 and
serves as support to refugees. They provide food, shelter and other resettlement services.
Volunteers are a critical part of the organization and are needed to help sustain its mission.
LSS is located on Philips Highway. The redbrick building sits off the road and houses the
many men and women who wake up every day with a mission to change the lives of refugees.
One of those people is Kasey Guenther, whose duties include orientation, education and career
services for incoming refugees. Guenther came to work for LSS three years ago and fell in love
with the mission to help refugees and strengthen communities. Guenther says, Its one of
those fields in social work thats instantly rewarding.
Guenther shared her passion to help with the challenges these refugees face when arriving
in Jacksonville. According to Guenther, receiving help with their medical needs are vital.
During the first few weeks in Jacksonville, refugees and their children receive medical
screenings and immunizations from the University of Florida Medical Clinic. Because of the
growing medical demands from more prevalent health issues such as cervical, liver and
stomach cancer among refugees more healthcare volunteers are needed. Theres also a race
against time to get refugee kids immunized for school. A delay in this service can result in
refugee kids starting school several months late.
Organizations, such as University of Florida Medical Clinic provide needed service. However,
at least a hundred of the refugees are turned away and services are delayed each year because
of the need for medical volunteers.
According to Guenther, nurses are needed to volunteer for the UF clinic to assist the
refugees shortly after they arrive to Jacksonville and for ongoing care. Guenther says, Hope of
a better life and better health is what LSS brings to refugees and nurses can contribute through
volunteering their time and service.