Acculturation for Justice, Access, and Peace Outreach (AJAPO) and Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) are refugee settlement agencies in Pittsburgh, and they’re currently strained by the sudden arrival of Afghan refugees. AJAPO asked us to help with a Congolese family arriving in November that they anticipate may need additional support. One member of the family has a temporary disability pending surgery. It turns out ELPC is well placed to help, as one of our congregants is a former Congolese refugee and is willing to help.
The plan is straight forward. We will stand this family up, providing household goods, clothing, mentorship, and friendship.
We are seeking volunteers and donations to assist with this effort. Specifically:
- Four Lead Adopters who are willing to donate time and energy to help the family with their transition to Pittsburgh. You will help introduce the family to Pittsburgh, help them navigate the common and mundane, keep tabs on things they need that the congregation can donate, and just generally being a good friend and mentor to this family. Expect to donate 1-3 hours of your time for the first few weeks, tapering over time as the family becomes settled. AJAPO will provide training for those interested in getting involved.
- Setting Up House will require significant donations. The refugees come with little, and will need everything. One of the lead adopters will set up a registry, periodically updated to show what is needed. Please hold donations until the family has arrived—the church has no storage space.
- Cash Assistance to help with setting up this family. We anticipate providing rental assistance, plus the occasional supply of groceries or take-out. The Justice Committee has generously committed funds toward this effort. Please feel free to chip in!
- And Covering Contingencies will be that last bit of work. We haven’t done this before, and something won’t go as planned. If you can’t be a Lead Adopter, but would be willing to answer the phone when we need an extra hand, we’d really appreciate it! We’re also looking for professionals with medical, legal, educational and other backgrounds who would be willing to provide advice and referrals on an as-needed basis.
Contact Eric Jester at eric@new-burgh.com if you’re able to help.
I am interested in helping. Am interested in talking more about what role that would be.