"I Was a Stranger" Relief Effort

“I Was A Stranger” Relief Effort

 

Prayerfully determine what you can do—according to your own time and circumstance—to serve the refugees living in your neighborhoods and communities.

 

Helpful websites and resources:

·         “I Was A Stranger”:  https://www.lds.org/refugees?lang=eng
                
·         The Connections Project (shared by Time Out for Women):  http://tofw.com/connections-project
Here are just a few ideas for long or short term service opportunities that may be available in your area:
· Help teach an English (ESL) class in your community
· Help someone learn the computer, write a resume, or learn job skills
· Help refugees learn to garden in your unique climate and soil.
· Help refugees become more comfortable in their new country - practice English, navigate grocery stores, public transportation, etc.
· Set up an apartment for the arrival of a refugee family
· Help on a refugee farm co-op or assist in setting up a farm stand so they can sell their produce.
· Lead workshop on practical skills such as balancing a checkbook and budgeting.
· Become a tutor for Civics Education.
· Conduct a donation drive.

Local Refugee centers and organizations:

 
·         International Rescue Committee (Indianapolis):  http://www.rescue.org/refugee-crisis

·         Exodus Refugee Organization:  https://exodusrefugee.org/

Be a Welcome Team: Perfect for churches, companies, civic organizations, and other groups, Welcome Teams partner with Exodus to assist a refugee family with adjusting to life in the U.S. during their first 90 days. Complete at least 3 Welcome activities, such as meeting the family at the airport, setting up an apartment, preparing a welcome meal, driving them to appointments, teaching English, providing financial assistance (rent, utilities, school supplies etc.) and more.

Requirements: Minimum 90 day commitment. Complete at least 3 activities. Must be comfortable working with individuals with limited English. Must complete a 2-hour training and be able to pass a criminal background check.

Volunteer as a Group: Groups may volunteer to sort donations, organize our storage area, or complete other special projects as needed. Group volunteer requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the desired volunteer date. Our volunteer activities are not appropriate for youth below 8th grade and we require parental permission for any youth under 18 years old. We prefer groups be no larger than 10 volunteers.

Requirements: Preferred times for group activities: Fridays between 11 am - 4 pm and Saturdays between 10 am - 1 pm.

“What if their story were my story?”