The Services to Older Refugees Program (SORP) is administered by the Bureau of Refugee Services under the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). This initiative is federally funded through the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to assist refugees aged 60 and older in achieving greater integration, independence, and wellness within their communities across New York State. The program focuses on removing barriers to mainstream services and supports, with an additional emphasis on naturalization for eligible older refugees to help them qualify for federal benefits.
SORP is structured as a five-year, performance-based contract, distributing a total of $3,125,000 in funding. Services must be delivered through a culturally and linguistically appropriate framework and are intended to help older refugees access resources such as housing, healthcare, nutrition assistance, and legal services. A comprehensive case management system supports service delivery, beginning with assessments that inform individualized case plans. Specific deliverables include cross-training with local agencies, community education workshops, naturalization assistance, and services for older refugees five or more years post-arrival.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based entities, and educational institutions located in New York State. These organizations must be registered and prequalified in the Statewide Financial System. Participants must be New York State residents aged 60 or older and meet detailed immigration status criteria. The program supports refugees within their first 60 months of eligibility, although certain services such as naturalization and referrals remain available beyond that period.
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Statewide Financial System by January 16, 2026. Prior to that, applicants may submit questions until December 16, 2025, with responses to be posted by December 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by March 15, 2026, with contracts beginning July 1, 2026. Contracts will run through June 30, 2031, and funding is allocated annually, subject to availability and performance reviews.
The evaluation process includes responsiveness, fiscal and programmatic feasibility, clarity of measurable outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with OTDA priorities. A single award will be made per impacted area, with contracts capped and adjusted as needed. Emilio Tavarez is the designated contact for this opportunity, and inquiries may be directed to BRS.RFP@otda.ny.gov.
Proposals that document participant eligibility well and demonstrate strong collaboration with local Offices for the Aging and refugee communities are prioritized.
