REFUGEE PROGRAM

The refugee program is a support system that assists financially, physically and emotionally to enable new refugees in our country to attain independence.  Eventually, these refugees will apply for green cards and citizenship.  The Refugee Program under the umbrella of the Red Cross and in cooperation with the United Religious Community,  handles all the initial paperwork and finds sponsorships through ecumenical church/parish groups.  This agency provides the support and guidelines of the necessary procedures.

HOURS:  VARIABLE

DAYS:  Usually Monday through Friday

REQUIRED SKILLS:  A willingness to transport refugees until they have their own transportation;  a willingness to act on their behalf and to regard them with the highest dignity and privacy.  It is not necessary to speak other languages; translators will often be supplied, especially in the beginning.

TRAINING:  All the assistance and questions one has will be readily answered by the staff of Refugee Program at the Red Cross or a volunteer from the parish.

YOU CAN LEND A HELPING HAND IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

• Greet a family at airport
• Accumulate furniture and necessary items for apartment.  Assist the refugee(s) at leasing of apartment and help with moving in.  Solicit help from friends and parishioners for the moving process.
• Work with representative from Refugee Services in completing forms for financial assistance.
• Arrange for and provide transportation to medical/dental appointments.
• Sign up adults for ESL (English as Second Language) classes. Teach them how to use the bus.
• If school age children are involved, enroll them in school.  Act as a liaison between teachers and parents.
• Assist in job/career placement when appropriate.
• Give donations of money or a good used car.
• BE A FRIEND!

Contact:          Marlene Nowak – 288-7490 or marlene_nowak@yahoo.com
                        Brigid Edmonds – 217-7070 or ebedmonds@comcast.net