ASSIST & SUPPORT

To provide assistance to refugees.

When people first come to the US, they need many things: a first apartment, household items, help with paperwork and benefits. Over months and years, different needs emerge, from new housing, job training, and English classes, to help with college applications, cultural acclimation, financial planning, and changes in residency status. Our group has experience helping new refugee families as well as supporting the longer-term transition to life in the US.

Now that new refugees are arriving again, we are working with partner agencies to provide support.

We have developed the following priorities for refugees on the way to longer-term self-sufficiency:

• support for families who have not had financial or other assistance from volunteer groups

• emergency funds, interest-free car loans, Covid relief

• cooking projects to empower women and families to use existing skills for economic support

ADVOCATE

To advocate for the refugee community.

We speak out about issues that are relevant to the refugee community.

• Resisting Islamophobia and xenophobia

• Promoting cultural awareness, compassion, and education about the crises in Syria, Afghanistan, and other countries

• Promoting family reunification, particularly after the prolonged family separation caused by the travel ban.

• Increasing limits on refugees that will be admitted to the US and maintaining refugee resettlement infrastructure.

STRENGTHEN

To build a safe, inclusive, strong refugee community across Connecticut.

We recognize that our community, and our lives, are enriched by the opportunity to know each other. We are part of the network of organizations and groups supporting refugees across the state, and we add strength to these efforts in Greater Hartford.