Friends of Mosaic,
The past few months have tested Mosaic Family Services in ways we’ve never experienced before. In February, we shared the heartbreaking news that a federal funding freeze forced us to drastically scale back our refugee programs and furlough dedicated staff, many of whom share similar lived experiences to those of the families they serve.
Today, we’re relieved and thankful to share a sliver of hope: the funding has been released, and we’ve welcomed back our furloughed team members.
While we celebrate this moment of gratitude, we’re also staring down at a fast-approaching threat. In just five months, a new federal rule could unravel the very progress we’ve fought so hard to regain, putting vital refugee services and the futures of countless families at risk once again.
Here’s where things stand and how you can help:
What’s Been Restored:
The funding freeze was lifted at the end of March, and Mosaic received overdue reimbursements that had not been paid. Furloughed staff have returned to work and continue serving newly arrived neighbors.
What’s at Risk:
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has issued a new policy which states that starting in October 2025, replacement designees such as the Texas Office for Refugees (TXOR) will no longer be allowed to administer or distribute federal refugee funds to nonprofits. Instead, these funds must be accepted and managed by a state agency.
TXOR was formed in 2017 as a workaround to distribute federal funds for refugee programs to organizations like Mosaic, following Texas’s withdrawal from federal refugee support programs. We anticipate that Texas will continue to uphold its current position, which would effectively end the program unless the state decides to reverse its course. Without a policy change, Mosaic’s Refugee programs will no longer be funded.
Additionally, federal grants and protections that keep our doors open for trafficking and domestic violence survivors are in jeopardy.
What Mosaic Is Doing
Advocacy: Mosaic’s staff is meeting with federal, state, and local legislators, asking them to push for a solution that keeps community‑based providers eligible for federal support and protects vital funding for life-saving programs.
Emergency Planning: Mosaic’s leadership is drafting a transition plan to ensure refugees and survivors in need will have the resources and tools to access life-saving services if Mosaic’s programs are forced to close or scale back due to funding cuts.
Diversifying Funding: We’re pursuing new philanthropic partnerships to replace lost federal dollars.
How you can help today:
- Donate: Right now, survivors and refugees are terrified and unsure what their future holds – give to Mosaic to fuel safety and compassion. Your gift, no matter the amount, will help keep the door open for families in desperate need.
- Contact Your Representative: Advocacy was key to releasing the frozen funds and restoring services to over 100,000 refugees throughout the state. Please, continue to use your voice to urge your representatives to protect funding for life-saving programs. Visit our website for sample scripts.
Please know, your generosity, kind messages, and tireless advocacy not only carried Mosaic through the uncertainty, but also sent a powerful message: refugees and survivors deserve safety and dignity.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us.
Sincerely,
Mirjana Omeragic,
Acting Executive Director
