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FOR FAMILIES IN NEED, REFER TO THESE ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SUPPORT
Notes for South Africans
- Federal Programs (ACL Elder Care, Reduced Fare Transit): These provide targeted support for seniors and individuals with mobility needs. Refugees and asylees, including South Africans, are exempt from the 5-year waiting period, requiring only legal status (e.g., I-94, EAD with A03 code). Transit subsidies vary by city.
- Mental Health and Youth Support (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, SAMHSA Helpline, National Runaway Safeline, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA): These offer crisis intervention and mentoring for all ages. No residency or status requirements make them accessible to new South Africans, with a focus on youth adjustment.
- Community and Educational Resources (Public Libraries): Free access to libraries supports all ages, aiding English learning and job searches, with no eligibility barriers.
- Non-Governmental Programs (Catholic Charities, LIRS, Salvation Army): These provide flexible support across age groups without strict residency rules, ideal for South Africans with no U.S. history. They offer community integration, benefiting Afrikaans- or English-speaking families.
- Eligibility Proof: Documents like passports, I-94, or proof of need are required. South Africans may need to translate Afrikaans records, and NGOs often assist with this.
- Cultural Considerations: South Africans accustomed to South Africa’s social services (e.g., SASSA, public libraries) may find U.S. options more decentralized. Afrikaans speakers should request interpreters, widely available at libraries, NGOs, and transit offices.
- Application Support: Multilingual assistance is common, benefiting Afrikaans speakers. Resettlement agencies (e.g., via 1-800-354-0365) can guide refugees through applications.
Tips for South Africans
- Mental Health: Call 988 or 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for immediate support if facing adjustment stress.
- Seniors: Contact ACL (via local AAA) or Meals on Wheels (1-888-998-6325) for elder care and meal delivery.
- Youth: Enroll in Big Brothers Big Sisters or YMCA programs for mentoring and activities.
- Transport: Apply for reduced fare transit through local authorities, providing proof of age/disability.
- Community Resources: Visit public libraries for free internet and programs; use 211 for referrals.
- NGO Aid: Contact Catholic Charities (1-800-919-9338) or Salvation Army (1-800-725-2769) for family-wide support.
- Documentation: Bring translated South African IDs or proof of need to streamline access.
- Cultural Adjustment: Use multilingual resources at libraries or NGOs to ease the transition from South Africa’s system.
Reaching Out
This table outlines a range of additional social services available to South African refugees in the United States, including mental health support, libraries, transport subsidies, elder care, hospice, and other services.
Program Name | Administering Entity | Type of Assistance | Eligibility Criteria | Duration | Application Process | Notes for South Africans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Mental Health) | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) | Free crisis counseling and mental health support | – Anyone in emotional distress – No residency or status requirement | Ongoing, 24/7 | Call or text 988 or | Supports South African refugees with adjustment stress; multilingual support; anonymous service. |
SAMHSA National Helpline (Mental Health) | SAMHSA | Free, confidential treatment referral and information | – Anyone seeking mental health or substance use help – No residency or status requirement | Ongoing, 24/7 | Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or | Helpful for South Africans with mental health needs; offers multilingual assistance; no cost. |
Public Libraries (Education/Community) | Local governments via public library systems | Free access to books, internet, educational programs, and community resources | – Open to all residents – No residency or status requirement – Library card may require ID | Ongoing | Visit local library or | South Africans can use for learning English or job searches; some offer multilingual programs; free Wi-Fi. |
Reduced Fare Transit Programs (Transport Subsidies) | Local transit authorities (e.g., MTA, RTA) | Discounted or free public transportation passes | – Seniors (65+), disabled individuals, or low-income – Qualified immigrants eligible – Local residency often required | Ongoing, renewed annually | South African seniors/disabled can access; varies by city (e.g., NYC, LA); may need proof of status. | |
Administration for Community Living (ACL) Elder Care Services | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | Support services (e.g., meal delivery, home care) via Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) | – Age 60+ – Low income or in need – Qualified immigrants exempt from 5-year wait – U.S. residency required | Ongoing | Contact local AAA or | South African seniors benefit; includes transportation; multilingual support available. |
Hospice Care (End-of-Life Support) | Local hospice organizations (e.g., Hospice Foundation) | Free or low-cost palliative care and emotional support | – Terminally ill patients (6 months or less prognosis) – No income or status requirement – U.S. residency often required for full coverage | Until death | Contact local hospice or | Supports South African seniors; Medicare/Medicaid cover costs; multilingual staff in some areas. |
National Runaway Safeline (Youth Support) | National Runaway Safeline (non-governmental) | Free crisis intervention and support for runaway or at-risk youth | – Youth under 21 – No residency or status requirement | Ongoing, 24/7 | Call or text 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or | Assists South African youth in distress; anonymous; multilingual support; links to shelters. |
Big Brothers Big Sisters (Youth Mentoring) | Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (non-governmental) | Free mentoring and life skills programs for youth | – Children/youth (6–18) – Low-income or at-risk families – No residency or status requirement | Ongoing, varies by match | Apply through local chapter or | South African youth gain cultural support; free; multilingual volunteers in some areas. |
YMCA Youth Programs | YMCA (non-governmental) | Free or low-cost after-school programs, sports, and education | – Low-income families – No strict residency or status requirement – Proof of need may be requested | Ongoing, seasonal | Contact local YMCA or | Supports South African youth; some locations offer free membership; multilingual staff available. |
Catholic Charities USA Community Services | Catholic Charities USA (non-governmental) | Support for seniors (e.g., companionship), youth (e.g., tutoring), and families | – Low-income individuals/families – Immigrants/refugees with proof of need – No residency duration required | Ongoing or short-term | Contact local office or call 1-800-919-9338 | South Africans welcomed regardless of faith; multilingual staff; offers cultural adjustment aid. |
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) Family Support | Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (non-governmental) | Assistance for all ages (e.g., counseling, community integration) | – Refugees, asylees, or vulnerable immigrants in need – Proof of financial hardship – No strict residency rule | Short-term (up to 6 months) | Contact local LIRS office or call 1-800-583-5477 | Supports South African families; includes youth and senior services; interpreters for Afrikaans speakers. |
Salvation Army Community Support | The Salvation Army (non-governmental) | Assistance for seniors (e.g., meals), youth (e.g., camps), and families | – Individuals/families in financial distress – No strict residency or status rules – ID or proof of need may be required | One-time or periodic | Visit local Salvation Army or call 1-800-725-2769 | Supports South African seniors/youth; offers holiday aid; multilingual volunteers assist. |
Conclusion
South African families, including seniors, youth, and those with disabilities, can access additional social services through federal programs like ACL Elder Care and reduced fare transit, mental health support via SAMHSA, youth services from National Runaway Safeline and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and community resources like public libraries. Non-governmental support from Catholic Charities, LIRS, Salvation Army, and United Way further enhances access. By leveraging these resources and seeking multilingual assistance, South Africans can address diverse needs effectively. For further details, contact local agencies or visit www.samhsa.gov.
Note: Program availability, eligibility, and funding may vary by state or change over time. Verify details with local authorities or organizations.
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