(VERMONT, US) – South Sudanese families resettled in Bennington, Vermont, are facing significant challenges in finding stable employment and accessing support services, a roundtable discussion hosted at the Bennington County Multicultural Community Center (BCMCC) revealed. Since October 2022, when Bennington was designated as a refugee resettlement site, about 205 refugees have arrived, including communities from South Sudan, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Republic of Congo.
Jack Rossiter-Munley, director of BCMCC, shared that some refugee families had moved to the Midwest in search of stronger South Sudanese networks and more stable job opportunities, while those remaining in Bennington plan to follow. He noted that insufficient orientation on work systems in the United States contributed to the families’ mobility.
The roundtable, held on 5 December 2025, was part of Governor Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day” initiative, which seeks to engage local communities and improve support systems across the state. Representatives from the Vermont Department of Labor, including Commissioner Kendal Smith, attended to discuss barriers faced by refugees and explore potential solutions.
Language access was identified as the primary challenge. Bennington is almost 95 percent white, and local services often lack adequate translation support. The state Department of Labor currently uses Propio, an AI-based interpretation service, while BCMCC uses Boostlingo to provide translations in languages including Swahili and Dinka. Smith said the department is exploring funding for additional translation devices to improve workplace communication.
Transportation is another significant obstacle. Even short commutes, for example from Bennington to Manchester, pose difficulties for refugees attending interviews and work. Wendy Morris, regional manager at the Department of Labor, said that creative solutions are needed to help immigrants travel to work daily. The department will also work to streamline licensing transfers through the Office of Professional Regulation, improving access to legal driving permits and professional qualifications.
Many refugees are also finding it difficult to secure employment that matches their professional skills. Jobs such as pharmacists, engineers, or technicians are often unavailable to new arrivals, while employers remain cautious about hiring them. Volunteers and community leaders are working to fill these gaps, though they are frequently overstretched.
| Challenge | Details |
|---|---|
| Refugee arrivals | 205 since October 2022 |
| Main communities | South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Congo |
| Language support | Limited; Boostlingo and Propio used |
| Transportation | Limited access to reliable transport |
| Licensing | Transfer barriers for drivers and professionals |
| Employment issues | Jobs often do not match training; employers cautious |
| State response | Funding for translation and licensing support explored |
Despite these challenges, Rossiter-Munley highlighted research showing refugee resettlement generates a net benefit of $123.8 billion to the U.S. economy at local, state, and federal levels. He expressed optimism about Vermont’s willingness to improve support services.
“When we sit down with employers or work alongside the Department of Labor, the knowledge gained should become part of daily operations,” he said. “This is part of how we work, and it’s not a special one-time project.”
