Federal Grant Award Summary

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota received a $908,843 Block Grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under the Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs (CFDA 93.566). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, funds the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA) program, which provides critical support services to refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, victims of human trafficking, and other eligible populations during their initial resettlement period in South Dakota. Specifically, the CMA program covers refugee cash assistance (RCA), refugee medical assistance (RMA), medical screening activities, and recipient administrative costs.

The organization delivers comprehensive integration support services including cash assistance for basic living expenses, medical coverage for qualifying individuals, temporary housing, employment training, language instruction, and legal services to facilitate successful community integration. Additionally, through sub-award partnerships with entities including Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Inc. and state departments, Lutheran Social Services extends program reach to include specialized services such as victim services coordination, adult English language instruction, and housing counseling. The organization maintains eligibility to receive these funds as a Replacement Designee and must comply with annual reporting requirements including submission of approved State Plans and CMA Program Estimates (ORR-1).