To escape the horrors of Burma, Somalia, Iraq and other nations in turmoil, thousands of families and individuals come to the Chicago area as refugees. Many have been on the run for years and have no money, no food, no jobs and no home. Can you imagine how frightened and overwhelmed you would feel if you suddenly transported to another country where you didn't understand the culture, inventions or even language?

 

But they can have a friend...

South Park Church is partnering with World Relief Chicago to greet these refugees at the airport, take them to their own furnished apartments and provide friendship and support as they resettle in America!

 

World Relief Chicago (WRC) is the only Christian Evangelical agency authorized by the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees in the United States. This often includes housing, cultural orientation, job placement assistance, English language classes, legal services and more.

 

Opportunities

While WRC provides many of the tangible needs of the refugee, there are five ways that you can help.

 

1. "Tutor" a refugee: Ideally each refugee family is paired with a friend family to provide emotional support and augment what they are learning elsewhere. The expectation is that you'll connect with your refugee family at least once a week for at least 3 months, and a full 6 months (1 semester) for refugee youth in Chicago public schools. This can be an informal time at their apartment, sharing a meal, allowing them to practice English, helping with homework, teaching them where to shop for food, etc.   
2. "Sponsor" a family: For every incoming refugee, WRC provides an apartment and bed and dresser but volunteers are needed to thoroughly clean and completely furnish the apartment with a "Good Neighbor Kit" (all kitchen supplies, bedding, food and more) and befriend the family after arrival. See the complete "good neighbor kit" list on our web site at www.southparkchurch.org/beyondourwalls

 

3. Assist teachers in ESL classes or in the youth after school program: WRC could use tutors at their Albany Park location in a number of subjects and age ranges. Assistance is needed in daily ESL classrooms as well as in the youth after school program every Tuesday and Thursday - time commitments vary.

 

4. Donations: Several times a year, South Park Church will organize donation drives to help with specific needs. Items can be dropped off at the church during specific dates for delivery to WRC - keep an eye out for more information. Meanwhile, if you have large items, such as a dresser, you can contact World Relief Chicago directly.

 

5. Administrative Services: WRC has numerous administrative tasks, which vary in time and commitment levels. These administrative needs include volunteering before/during their annual fund raising event, office reception desk coverage, filling out paperwork for monthly citizenship workshops, and legal services office help.

 

Interested? Take the next step...

• Review the full details and FAQs on the South Park Church web site:   www.southparkchurch/beyond-the-walls
• Contact RA@SouthParkChurch.org with questions.
• This Fall, stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings with your questions.