Triumphs and tribulations in cross-sectoral efforts to support refugee resettlement: collaboration and empowerment among refugee serving organizations in two US resettlement cities

A successful refugee resettlement program requires a network of actors to collaborate to support new residents in the US. Yet little is known about how these actors collaborate with one another and empower their clients. This exploratory study of Erie County, NY and Kent County, MI maps out the network of local and county governments, local resettlement agencies, and ethnic community-based organizations that support resettled refugees. I examine how they collaborate to meet the refugee population’s needs and work to empower these population groups. The need for more cross-sectoral collaboration and empowerment of clients – especially among local and county governments and resettlement agencies – is recommended.