Our Mission
To coordinate, organize, and initiate services to refugees and immigrants through education, advocacy, support services, information, referrals, and networking opportunities in to strengthen the community that we live in and to promote international understanding through intercultural exchange. US Together, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) mutual assistance agency founded in 2003 as a response to the needs of refugees and immigrants in Ohio.
We welcome newcomers from all over the world who are seeking a better life in another country. Services are provided in our Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo offices.
"Families come to America for a better life and to escape oppression and persecution. We must reject fear and prejudice and always remember we live in a nation of immigrants that values inclusion and compassion for all."
Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor of Columbus
Our History
US Together Inc., was founded in 2003 in response to the growing needs of refugees and immigrants in central Ohio. US Together is a mutual assistance agency, which means it was started and is still run by former refugees. Our founders have worked with immigrant and refugee populations since 1993.
Initially providing services to Russian-speaking populations, our agency began resettling diverse refugee populations in 2005, including individuals from the former Soviet Union, Iran, Iraq, Burma, Bhutan, Eritrea, Somalia, Congo, Sudan, Burundi, and Rwanda in Columbus. In 2007, US Together opened an office in Cleveland when it assumed the caseload and responsibilities of the Jewish Family Services Association, which had closed its refugee resettlement program. Our Cleveland office started resettling populations from the former Soviet Union, Bhutan, and Iraq. In 2013, our third office was opened in Toledo, Ohio to serve the refugees in the surrounding area.
As we strive to expand the services we provide, we continue to be a stellar example of refugees serving refugees. Committed to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services in Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo, we have a diverse, multi-lingual staff representing over 12 countries and more than 70 languages. More than 16 years later, our agency has over 40 employees and over 270 interpreters. In the recent past, prior to the travel ban, US Together helped nearly 1,000 refugees establish their new lives in America each year.
"Columbus has always been an inclusive city. We accept and appreciate those from ALL cultures and backgrounds. It’s what makes Columbus the best place to live, work and raise a family."
Michael B. Coleman, Former Mayor of Columbus
Our Team
Co-Founders
Nadia Kasvin
Director/Co-Founder
Columbus Office
nkasvin@ustogether.us
Tatyana Mindlina
Director/Co-Founder
Columbus Office
tmindlina@ustogether.us
Directors
Christine Garcia, MS
Site Director
Columbus Office
cgarcia@ustogether.us
Elizabeth Cusma
Site Director
Cleveland Office
ecusma@ustogether.us
Corine Dehabey
Site Director
Toledo Office
cdehabey@ustogether.us
Kyri Shaffer, IMFT-S
Director of Clinical Services
Columbus Office
kshaffer@ustogether.us
Maria Teverovsky
Director of Development
mteverovsky@ustogether.us
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