Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly’s administration is launching a new program called “Office of New Americans” to help immigrant and refugee communities.
It will be part of the Department of Equity and Community Engagement.
The program is starting to come together for the community to enjoy.
"It's going to connect immigrant/refugee communities to resources and opportunities as well as really fostering a greater sense of belonging in our city,” said Joda Thongnopnua the Chief Policy Officer for Mayor Kelly’s office.
With a growing immigrant community in Chattanooga, he said it is crucial to ensure they can thrive.
"These residents are an important part of our economy and our community. And that we needed an office or a front door for the city government to support these folks,” said Thongnopnua.
He said they will be giving them access to translation services and helping them with citizenship and naturalization paperwork, among other things.
They are currently looking to hire a director for the new office.
"We want to make sure that that director has an opportunity to shape the office with their lived experience and expertise, so we are going to be leaning on this director to take that next step,” said Thongnopnua.
He said the Mayor’s office starts the hiring process for the new director next week.
The job will be posted on the city's website in the next couple of days.
