Founding
Family Unification & Resettlement Initiative [FURI] is an innovative 501-C– 3 nonprofit organization founded by Carmeta Albarus, LCSW in May 2002 geared towards assisting Involuntary Returned Migrants in resettling in their home countries. Ms. Albarus is a forensic social worker with twenty (20) years' experience working within the criminal justice system in the United States. Based on her work on behalf of immigrant clients, Ms. Albarus-Lindo saw the need for services that can help such clients adjust positively to deportation. Given her Jamaican roots, Ms. Albarus-Lindo was concerned primarily about the impact of deportation on Jamaican nationals as well as the impact that displaced persons can have on Jamaica’s development. She was inspired to start FURI, so as to help deported persons plan for a better tomorrow by focusing on the need to improve their own lives as well as the need to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Mission Statement
The mission of FURI is to bring resources to improve the lives of those returned to their homeland, particularly those with no family or social support, by helping them achieve their potential for self-sufficiency.
Vision Statement
The vision of FURI is one where we are a global leader in addressing the issue of deportation and extending our services in preparing individuals for deportation and resettlement in their home countries.
FURI's aim is to always address the issue of trauma and how it affects individual lives and contributes to the involvement within the criminal justice system. We strive to continuously do that through our ‘Youth Enrichment Program’ that allows youth to navigate the effects of trauma through the arts. We also aim to establish a blueprint for proper preparation for migration to the United States, to avoid pitfalls that can lead to violation of US laws and customs.
Carmeta Albarus, MSW; LCSW-R
A former schoolteacher in Jamaica, she is the President and Founder of CVA Consulting Services, Inc., a forensic social work company based in Harlem, New York. Since 1986, Ms. Albarus has worked as a consultant within the U.S. criminal justice system, gaining national prominence as a death penalty mitigation expert. Within this framework, she has been qualified as an expert in social history investigations and psychosocial assessments in both state and federal courts.
She is the co-author of the recently released "The Making of Lee Boyd Malvo, The DC Sniper" published by Columbia University Press. This book is available at Barnes & Noble as well as on Amazon.com. The book chronicles the life of Malvo, his attachment to John Muhammad and the work Ms. Albarus did in extricating the young man from the clutches and influence of the older war veteran. The book was recently named as one of the top books on Justice for 2012. Proceeds from the sale of the books will benefit services for youths and families linked to FURI and its activities.
But most importantly, she is the Founder and Chairman of this cause, Family Unification & Resettlement Initiative since 2002.
Objective
FURI’s objective is to offer alternatives that foster faith, hope, and confidence that life can be worthwhile. FURI aims to assist in the reintegration of deported persons by collaborating with other service agencies. Assistance may be provided through various services including :
- Accommodations/Shelter referrals.
- Employment/Vocational training referrals.
- Drug/alcohol abuse rehab referrals.
- Health care referrals.
- Counseling
- Reconnection with family.
- Help in obtaining National ID, TRN, etc.
As a participant of the FURI organization I learnt the skills necessary for re-integration as a returning resident to my homeland country. I was able through the assistance of FURI to locate family members as well as was provided substantial job and housing assistance/directives. It was through our weekly meetings and counseling sessions that I was made aware of the struggles to face as expressed by other members as well as how to solve them through shared experiences. It was a great experience growing with this organization as I found good friends and a safe space after my traumatic experience of being removed. One of my personal goals as a published author/photographer was to forge the path ahead.
You may purchase copies of my book Personals by Marvyn Murdock here: https://www.amazon.com/PERSONALS-Marvyn-Murdock/dp/1413412351
Marvyn Murdock
My name is Andre Simpson. I was deported to Jamaica after serving time in New York State Penitentiary. I was in my final year of university when I got into trouble. Upon returning home I was determined to get my degree and I applied for University of the West Indies (UWI) and a month later I was accepted. Along the way I met some awesome individuals, two od which are FURI’s founder and president, Carmeta Albarus-Lindo and Marleen Brown. Upon returning home, FURI provided me guidance, counseling and financial assistance, and my first Laptop upon returning home, I am proud to say that 4 years later I was able to graduate with a degree in Political Science. I have since written and self published fictions (High Rollaz; Crooked Line ; Traum-a; and two children’s books; Abbas Lesson- Keeping Safe from Viruses, and 4 Little Gems Uniquely made. I thank FURI for its support and guidance.
Andre Simpson
How you can help
Donations & Contributions
Click below and send money in minutes through Zelle Pay us at familyunif@hotmail.com. Thank you for your donation.
Care Packages
Assist with providing everyday essentials needed for the individuals we serve. Click below and send money in minutes through Zelle
Affordable Accommodations
Assist us with providing affordable accommodations for our returning residents. Thank you in advance for your donation.
Help us continue our work
Contact us
Telephone: JAM: 876-906-8262 / USA: 646-515-9901
Cell Phone: 876-279-3283 Whatsapp: 917-581-0200
E-mail: familyunif@hotmail.com
Address: 11 Grayden Avenue, Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I.
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