Refugee Services: Get Involved
Co-Sponsors
Often local organizations, such as faith groups and local voluntary organizations in the community, agree to serve as co-sponsors for newly arriving refugees. Generally, cosponsors are asked to make a three-month commitment to assist refugees with core services, including:
- Transportation to appointments and job interviews
- Help with job applications, interview skills and work practices
- School enrollment
- English training
- Cultural orientation
- Emotional support
Volunteers
Individuals who are not a part of a co-sponsoring organization are encouraged to volunteer one-on-one with a refugee. Typical needs include:
- English tutoring
- Mentoring
- Translation
- Help navigating the medical system
- Employment advocacy
Donations
One of the most challenging aspects of refugee resettlement is finding and furnishing suitable housing. Refugees arrive in the United States with few possessions, if any, and would be greatly helped by the donation of these items:
Furniture:
- Bedding (bed frame and spring, mattress)
- Sets of drawers or shelves for clothing
- Kitchen tables and chairs
- Couches
- Lamps
Kitchen Items:
- Tableware (forks, knives, spoons)
- Dishes (plates, bowls, cups)
- Pots and pans (sauce pan, frying pan, baking dish)
- Mixing/serving bowls
- Utensils (spatula, knife, serving utensils)
- Can openers
- Baby items as needed
Linens and Other Household Supplies:
- Towels
- Sheets & blankets
- Pillows & pillowcases
- Alarm clocks
- Paper, pens, & pencils
- Light bulbs
Cleaning Supplies:
- Dish soap
- Bathroom/kitchen cleansers
- Sponges/cleaning rags/paper towels
- Waste baskets
- Mops & brooms
- Trash bags
Toiletries:
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo & soap
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Personal hygiene items
Donations to the Red Cross are tax-deductible.
The emphasis of co-sponsorship is transitioning refugees to independence, especially economically and occupationally, as quickly as possible. As a refugee ceases to be a refugee and becomes a neighbor and friend, we are all enriched.
For more information, email international@stjoe-redcross.org or call (574) 234-0191.
