When refugees arrive in America, they frequently come with little more than the clothes on their backs. Staff of sponsoring agencies, including the International Institute of St. Louis, meet refugees at the airport, take them to housing that has been obtained for them, provide orientation, and help them begin the process of building a new life in America. The International Institute immerses refugees and immigrants in a variety of social and educational services designed to accelerate their settlement in St. Louis. Services in the Individuals and Families Division focus on initial adjustment services to newcomers and their families with a goal to help raise newcomers out of poverty.