Refugee Resettlement Project
On Easter each year, Prince of Peace begins a journey that we call “The Resurrection Project.” As the word “resurrection” implies, the journey is an invitation to transform our lives, in this case, by helping others. This year, we are aspiring to host a refugee family from Afghanistan in addition to supporting HTF. I say “aspiring” because virtually nothing is certain when planning to host refugees. We just need to be prepared so that we are ready for the members of the refugee family if and when they arrive.
Hosting a refugee family as part of the Resurrection Project is especially appropriate because both resurrection and helping refugees resettle involve personal transformation. Just imagine the transformation that refugees must go through so that they become self-sufficient -- the goal being for them to become self-supporting (with some government assistance) within 3 months from the time they arrive in the U.S. What challenges: speaking a new or unfamiliar language, getting a job quickly, learning strange new customs, and having limited access to transportation. Just imagine the challenges you would face if you and your family landed in the middle of Afghanistan with minimal income, no job, and no way to travel.
People who help refugees often find that the work transforms their lives as well. Such work is transformative because they learn that loving and supporting someone is more than “being nice.” It means working with them in ways that empower them to overcome the challenges. That is not always easy – especially when customs and language differences get in the way. But nothing is more rewarding than to see parents and children who arrived knowing little about life in America gain self-confidence and then begin relishing their lives here.
This work will require a team of dedicated volunteers to assist the family in their transition.
Below is a list of the team we will be recruiting in the coming weeks:
POP Afghan Refugee Family Mission Sub-committees:
Housing: Assist in securing a home, gathering household & furniture items and setting up the house.
Transportation: Coordinates the transportation needs & driving lessons of the family. This will include medical appointments for all family members, including proper use of all car seats.
Health: Assist the family in coordinating follow-up medical & dental appointments. This will include identifying medical providers who accept Medicaid. This will include setting up and attending appointments to apply for basic benefits such as Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid, & TANF.
Cultural Adjustment: Assist the family in understanding the community (finding the grocery store, library, parks, etc). Leads Cultural Orientation sessions which teaches the family elements of American culture and life.
Schooling/Education: Assist parents/guardians in understanding the school system. Enrolling children in school. Identifying and enrolling adults in ESL classes and/or arranging for an ESL tutor.
Jobs & Finance: Help the family understand banking, household budgets and credit history. Teach job readiness class. Help employable individuals network for employment and prepare resume.
Treasurer: Track our committee budget. Track all monetary and in-kind donations to family.
Want to know more about hosting an Afghan family and/or ways that you can help? We will be holding orientation meetings in the Atrium on Sunday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. We encourage in-person attendance, but we will also provide online access.