Starting a new life: Milwaukee prepares to resettle Syrian refugees in southeastern Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE -- As the world accommodates the exodus, some of those leaving Syria are expected to make their new homes in Milwaukee.

The Mia family is all smiles now, but eight years ago, Ywe Ni and his wife didn't have time to smile as they struggled to survive in their native, Burma.

Mia family

"We faced a lot of problems. We had no rights, no freedom," said Ywe Ni Mia.

Ywe Ni Mia

This is when the Burmese refugees made their way to Milwaukee.

"We have full opportunity to do what we want to do, and we have all that we need," said Mia.

Saturday, September 12th Mia says he's focused on others who may be on a similar journey, as the world watches nearly half of Syria's population become refugees in search of a new home.

"We should help each other and support them so they can succeed in their life here in the U.S.," said Mia.

"This is the first entrance to our services," said Mary Flynn, Lutheran School Services.

Mary Flynn is a program manager for Refugee Resettlement at Lutheran Social Services in Milwaukee.

Refugee Resettlement at Lutheran Social Services

"Every Friday, this room has two sessions of cultural orientation," said Flynn.

Flynn says even though she doesn't expect a significant number of Syrian refugees to resettle in southeastern Wisconsin for 6-12 months, people are already preparing for their arrival.

"The Syrian community in Milwaukee has already reached out, and LSS is in the process of developing strong partnerships and networks so that when they do come we are prepared to have them smoothly start a new life," said Flynn.

Flynn says the Syrian refugee situation will be a hot topic of discussion in December when Milwaukee hosts a conference called "Our City Of Nations," geared toward providing support for refugees who live there.