MRS > Services and Programs > Office of Refugee Programs Staff
mrsrp@usccb.org
Refugee Programs Administration
Director, Refugee Programs -- Anastasia Brown
Provides overall leadership and coordination for the activities of the Office of Refugee Programs. Provides support in areas which have cross-segment elements. Administers a new program on strengthening refugee families. The Director is the primary MRS representative to Refugee Council USA.
Children’s Services
Associate Director -- Nathalie Lummert
This segment provides the vision and leadership regarding USCCB/MRS’s commitment to the welfare of refugee and other migrating children as well as other extremely vulnerable populations, such as trafficking victims. As part of Refugee Programs, the segment manages services under several federal grants. Additionally, the segment provides assistance to MRS’ Policy Office on migrating children’s issues.
Cuban/Haitian Programs (Miami)
Associate Director -- Ernesto Cuesta
The administration and management of the various Cuban/Haitian grants and the processing and placement of clients are handled by the Miami Cuban/Haitian Office. The staff of the Miami office are the primary point of contact for all pre-arrival Cuban/Haitian case work necessary to admit and place Cuban and Haitian entrants and parolees. The Miami office also provides cultural orientation information to all new Cuban and Haitian arrivals in accordance with requirements of the MRS contracts with the Department of Justice, which funds the program.
Diocesan Development and Support
Associate Director -- Richard Hogan
This segment is responsible for ensuring network capacity that (1) is responsive to refugee placement needs, (2) meets and exceeds standards for programs and services, (3) is national in scope and (4) is sustainable. DDS conducts a range of monitoring functions, including on-site program reviews, diocesan performance assessments, and oversight of diocesan budgeting and financial procedures. It also provides to diocesan programs technical assistance designed to help them meet program compliance requirements. Field Support Coordinators within DDS are the principal contacts for the diocesan programs, which makes DDS the primary source of diocesan feedback, information and referral for refugee-related programs.
Grants and Programs Administration
Associate Director -- Greg Scott
This segment is responsible for developing continuation proposals for funding to support refugee-related services, negotiating budget proposals and interfacing with funding sources, providing administrative oversight and ensuring compliance with funding requirements for contract-related activities once a program is operational. The segment also develops and promulgates policies and procedures for operating MRS grants and programs, and provides guidance and training to other segments regarding program guidelines and expectations. GPA coordinates with USCCB Accounting Services staff in developing and monitoring the submission of grant-related financial status reports.
This segment also includes the Collections Section which administers and manages the collection of refugee travel loans. Collection activities include the creation of loan accounts, the processing of loan payments, loan payment record keeping, issuance of credit letters for past due accounts, management of the address database for all accounts, monthly measurement of the number and value of payments received compared to previous years results and trend analysis.
Processing Operations
Associate Director -- Mark Sloan
This segment is responsible for the processing of refugees in order that they may be admitted into the U.S. for resettlement in one of the over 100 local Catholic diocesan resettlement programs throughout the U.S. The work of this segment includes such functions as interest filing, case allocations, arrival data reconciliation, arrival trend analysis, arrival projection development, as well as case advocacy through overseas entities (governmental and NGOs). Liaison with Refugee Council U.S.A. is also a major responsibility. Processing Operations staff are the primary contacts within MRS for all pre-arrival case work required by the Reception and Placement Program and provide assistance to the diocesan network in this regard.
Anti-Trafficking Services Program
Associate Director -- Nyssa Mestas
The ATSP provides services to foreign national survivors of human trafficking through a national contract with the Department of Health and Human Services/ Office of Refugee Resettlement. USCCB provides technical assistance, training, case consultation, oversight, and financial management to local social service agencies that have subcontracted with USCCB to provide the direct services to survivors. In addition, outreach to new social service agencies, education across sectors, and resource development are constantly moving the program forward.