WINDHAM (AP) – An influx of immigrant families to Maine suburbs could change the way towns offer social programs and services, officials said.

Immigrants and refugee families traditionally begin their lives in city centers with social services like Portland and Lewiston. But after a transition, many look to outlying communities to start a home and settle their families.

“Once they get a job and are all settled, we encourage them to be as independent as possible,” said Jeff Burgess, director of Catholic Charities of Maine’s refugee resettlement program.

The move from cities to rural settings could stress social services established to help immigrant populations cope with a new language and culture, Burgess said.

The Catholic Charities resettlement program’s mission is to help refugees, both those coming from another country or those who have lived elsewhere in the United States, establish themselves with jobs and homes in the state.

Along with access to health services, the agency provides language interpreters and helps contacting other agencies to help them get a solid footing.

Cities like Portland and Lewiston have become known for agencies that can help those who are new to the state, Burgess said.

Portland is home to perhaps the largest English for speakers of another language programs in the state. Last year the city had 856 students from 72 countries, and language classes typically had waiting lists.

Robert Wood, co-director of the Portland Adult Education program, said the program receives calls from other communities wanting information on expanding their own language programs.

Portland has worked with school systems in Freeport, Windham, Westbrook, and South Portland, he said.

“The trail of immigrants leads through downtown Portland, and once you get enough money to afford a (home), you buy one,” Wood said.

Beth Stickney, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, said the next step for local communities is to ensure accessibility. That means having interpreter services and language classes available.

Many towns and cities, including Portland, will have to do a better job reaching out to immigrants and refugees, making sure programs know how to deal with people from other cultures, she said.

AP-ES-05-17-04 0216EDT