WHAT WE DO AND WHO WE ARE
The Congolese Community of Scranton (CCS) was founded at the end of 2016 by Ushu Mukelo and his father, Mwenebatu Mukelo, to address the unique challenges faced by Congolese refugees resettling in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This community traces its origins to families from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who fled their homeland due to prolonged conflict and political instability. Many of these families endured years in refugee camps across East and Southern Africa, including Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, and Rwanda, before being admitted to the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. In 2024, with the support of Ornella Akimana, Heritier Dunia, and Digne Larkine Mbinga, the community was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a focus on making integration for refugee families easier in the long run. For the refugee families, the City of Scranton became their new home, offering safety and opportunities but also presenting significant cultural and logistical hurdles.
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Programs and Services:
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Refugee Adult ESL, Literacy and Civics Classes
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Math Tutoring and Homework Assistance for children
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Immigration Support Services
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Travel Arrangements
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Transportation
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Translation and Interpretation Services
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Cultural Events
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Community Sports Services
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Free Meals for new refugee arrivals
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Refugee Consulting for other organizations
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Cultural Mediation
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Community Gardening
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For more questions regarding these programs, please feel free to contact:
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Héritier Dunia
Vice President, CCS | Scranton
Email: heritier@congolesecommunity.net
Tel: +1 570 220 0025
