Refugees Give Thanks TAMPA (WUSF) - Evelyn Cooper was forced out of her home by a civil war in Liberia five years ago. After languishing in refugee camps for several years, she was finally able to obtain a visa to live in the U.S.

But that was only the beginning of her travails. She couldn't speak English very well - and couldn't even read or write. That's where Lutheran Services of Florida's Tampa office came in. They helped her learn to read. Cooper says her case worker helped her get her life together, and even found day care for her two daughters.

COOPER: Today I am a self-sufficient single mom, thanks to Lutheran Services of Florida. They gave me hope. They healed my soul and they helped me when I needed it the most.

Refugee case workers say currently, refugees from war-torn places like Iraq, Burma and Nepal are seeking shelter in the U.S. Speakers at the forum say Florida's refugee resettlement program is the largest in the United States. © Copyright 2009, WUSF