As you become actively involved with a refugee family's first efforts in our country, you have the very positive opportunity to create an environment of hope, direction and purpose for the future.
Refugees who are invited to resettle in the United States have survived very difficult times. They are excited about the prospects of living in America. For them it is a chance to start over. But also, the future is unknown; in many cases they do not speak English, and arrival here does not mean that their difficult times are over. Adjustment to the U.S. culture and expectations of resettlement (such as finding a job within 90 days) create their own new sets of demands and challenges.
They look to us as American citizens to assist them in their new lives.
As you take part in their adjustment, suddenly all that is great about our country comes into focus. For them, it is truly a saving grace to have made it here.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
· Providing transportation, clothing, and occasional food.
· Initiation and completion of required health checkups and exams by a certified U.S. surgeon.
· Helping the refugee family find affordable, safe housing.
· Helping the children to assimilate into the local school system.
· Assisting the refugee family in their search for participation in the religious worship of their choice.
· Helping the refugee family in their interest to locate nearby refugee communities of similar national origin.
· Mentoring the refugee parents in their job search - and in acquiring language and job skills.
Many resettlement agencies offer formal coursework, especially English as a Second Language, job skills, computer skills and job development skills. Often, they are looking for volunteer teachers to help.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Sponsorship requires a serious commitment; the time frame is usually a minimum of at least three months. In some cases, sponsors and refugees develop strong bonds that often last for years.
Whatever you care to do, all efforts are greatly appreciated and more than welcome.
CHICAGO AREA RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES
·Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
(312) 655-7322
www.catholiccharities.net
·Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights
(312) 660-1310
www.heartlandalliance.org
·Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries
(773) 989-5647
www.irim.org
·The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
(312) 357-4666
www.hiaschicago.org
·World Relief - Chicago
(773) 583-9191
http://chicago1.wr.org/
Volunteer Refugee Organizations
·Exodus World Service
(630) 307-1400
www.e-w-s.org
For further information and an in-depth understanding go to the Bureau of Immigrant and Refugee Services of the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Illinois Department of Human Services
Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services
(312) 793-7120
Want to learn more about refugees? Go to: www.17YearsandCounting.org
HOME
