MIGRATION & refugee SERVICES
ways a parish can 'welcome the stranger among us'
Spiritual Adoption
Offer prayers for the refugee family, including their safe arrival to the United States and their other needs (children, jobs, clothing, household items, job, health, adjustment to our way of life, etc.).
Offer up a Mass or sacrifices for the refugee family
School children might give up gum or candy until their refugee family arrives.
Make "Welcome to America" cards for the refugee family before they arrive.
Present them to the refugee family after they arrive so that they know that someone cared, prayed, and loved them even before they came to the U.S. Be creative with ideas.
Teen Basket
This project is best for teenagers. Purchase a large basket (either laundry or wicker). Then, fill the basket with items a teen could use. These items may include cassette players, brushes, hair clips, scented items, blow dryers, etc. Be creative!
Welcome Pack
Provide a newly arrived refugee family with a "Welcome Pack." This consists of basic household items. Also, your group/class can collect a month's supply of food staples and/or gift certificates. Remember, the holy family was a refugee family when the Christ child was born. Refugees will know by your help that God did not forget them.
Baby Basket
Your group/class purchases a laundry basket. You can decorate the outside of the basket (example: red, white, and blue ribbon and American flags). You then fill it with a variety of baby items that a new mother would need when she brings her child home from the hospital. Put a blanket on top of the items. Be sure to add the name of your school/organization and the words "(Organization) welcomes the New Little American." Remember, a child born on American soil is a U.S. citizen!
Pots & Pans Project
Your group collects the top ten most needed kitchen items for refugee families: pots and pans, baking dishes, serving dishes/platters, dishes, bowls, glasses, silverware, knives, can openers, and assorted cooking utensils.
Room-in-a-Box Project
Choose any room from the lists below and fill a large wicker basket or a laundry basket with all the items on the list of your chosen room.
The following two projects are reserved for large groups and churches because of the requisite time commitment:
House-in-a-Van Project
Your group provides all items listed below to a refugee family and moves the items into the apartment of the refugee family prior to the arrival of the family.
Adopt-a-Family
Your group works with Refugee Services to provide a newly arrived family with food, housing, and household furnishings. You orient them to American life and help them to find them jobs. Most importantly, you befriend the family and provide moral support as they adjust to life in the United States.
PLEASE NOTE:
Migration and Refugee Services is now operated by the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.