Self Sufficiency and Adjustment Among Sudanese Refugees in Tennessee

Attainment of economic self-reliance and adjustment into host community in the United States in general and Nashville, Tennessee, in particular, was a real challenge for Sudanese refugee families. The problem this study addressed was how to increase the economic self-sufficiency of Sudanese refugees and decrease their dependence on public assistance. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a relationship exists between self-sufficiency among Sudanese refugees in Nashville, Tennessee, and various economic and demographic variables, including English language proficiency, employment status, income, education, and length of residence in the United States. Implications of the study include providing the Department of Human Services and other social service agencies and nonprofit organizations with a better understanding of how to serve Sudanese refugees, which could lead to improved family income and subsequent exit from the public welfare system.