by Analisa Bregant
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Refugees arriving in the United States as teenagers face numerous challenges, from adjusting to a new education system and culture to learning a different language.
For many, the pressure of needing to support their families creates additional stress. Some must work full time, disrupting their education and limiting their future career opportunities.
Even those who graduate from high school may struggle to figure out their next steps. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ ReCONNECT program helps young refugees navigate these challenges.
“Our [ReCONNECT] program connects young newcomers with mentors who help them pursue educational, career and social goals,” said Elena Hardy, ReCONNECT program coordinator. “We help mentees from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine and many other countries.”
ReCONNECT is federally funded through a grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement administered by the Kansas State Office for Refugees. The program serves refugees ages 15-24 who have lived in the United States for five years or less. To qualify, participants must live in Kansas, be motivated to pursue higher career or educational goals and commit to the program for one year.
ReCONNECT aims to increase confidence and motivation in refugee youth by engaging them in their new communities, pairing them with volunteer mentors who provide guidance on a wide range of topics. Laptops are given to refugees to be used throughout the program’s duration. Case management is provided as well, offering extra support during periods of school enrollment and job search assistance.
The program’s success is due in large part to its dedicated volunteer mentors. To become a mentor, volunteers must undergo a phone screening and training session, where they learn about Catholic Charities’ refugee and immigration services and mentoring best practices. Mentors must also pass a background check and complete Virtus training.
“Our mentors come from diverse educational, career and life backgrounds,” said Hardy. “We look for people who are passionate about supporting and getting to know our mentees.”
Once trained, mentors are paired with a mentee. They are asked to check in with their mentees weekly by phone or text and meet in person monthly. These regular interactions help refugees acclimate to their new surroundings and build rapport between the mentor and mentee. The program also hosts monthly events where mentors and mentees can further connect.
The program has seen extraordinary benefits for both refugees and volunteers.
“Mentoring has given me profound respect for the resilience and fortitude my mentee’s family has exhibited,” said one mentor. “Through all the ups and downs, they have remained committed to each other and have worked as a family unit to find their way. It has been a privilege to walk with my mentee, witness her tenacity and be a small part of supporting her in building a life in the U.S.”
Hardy also recalled a touching story of a young mentee from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Paired with a recent college graduate mentor, the initially shy mentee was eager to improve her English so that she could begin supporting her family financially. Over time, she gained confidence, visiting the library on her own to check out books that would further enhance her English-speaking skills. She also learned how to navigate her school laptop with her mentor’s help.
Reflecting on her experience, the mentee said being paired with her mentor was one of the best things that happened to her, providing the support and encouragement she needed to pursue her academic goals.
The concept for ReCONNECT was developed in late 2019, though its launch was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing transitions. Significant progress was made in 2023, with the official launch of the first ReCONNECT cohort in May.
“Our program is still evolving as our team learns more about the needs of these young newcomers. We are constantly looking for ways to increase engagement and opportunities within the Kansas City community,” said Hardy.
The current ReCONNECT cohort includes 37 mentees and 18 mentors. Mentorship opportunities are offered year-round, even outside the program’s official spring and fall cohorts.
To learn more or become a mentor, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks.org/reconnect.
