It was full classroom as new immigrants learned about American rules, regulations and customs. This is all a part of the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program.


As Dawn Joy, the CEO of Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption explained, "The point of the whole program is self sustainability, so we help them find jobs, get into schools, whatever the needs are that need assessed."


Catholic Charities has welcomed over 490 new people in 2024 and they plan to welcome nearly 50 more over the next month, once they arrive, that's when the work begins.


"As soon as they get off the plane, they have housing for them, food, and then the first 90 days is really devoted to cultural orientation and English language skills if that's needed", said Joy.

Many new immigrants learn about the customs and traditions in the U.S. as well as rules and regulations through these classes. Individuals who participate in the program said they have learned a lot and it's been beneficial since arriving in the U.S.


One man arrived from Afghanistan just twenty days ago and has been impressed with what he has learned in short amount of time.
Samir Hakimi said,  "He learned a lot during the class. He learned about the rules in the U.S., the culture in the U.S. , and families and how to adjust himself in new culture and new environment in Erie", said Hakimi.


He said he has enjoyed his time so far and is looking forward to calling Erie home. "Since then he has discovered the area and it's a quiet city and he loves the city and he loves the universities and the level of education here and he is proud to be living here in Erie", said Hakimi.


Joy said that's the goal of the program, make people feel welcome, and get them adjusted to a new country, "Our goal is to not just bring people here but to have them be contributing members of the Erie community, but again that self sustainability, so we have funding that takes care of that."

Catholic Charities is always looking for more volunteers, if you want to help out, you can learn more here.