Kickoff of the Good Shepherd Refugee Ministry
Partnering with Jewish Social Services of Madison
Learn more this Month about this new Ministry Opportunity
The Super Bowl is over but following services at the Verona Campus on February 19th and the Madison Campus on February 26th members of the Refugee Co-Sponsorship Team will be in the lobby to promote this new ministry. Stop by to learn about the refugee program and sign up to volunteer, donate apartment furnishings and supplies, contribute to the Refugee Fund and more. Our Team is working closely with Madison’s refugee resettlement agency, Jewish Social Services of Madison, to be prepared to receive a refugee family in the next several months.
Donating to Make Welcome Possible
Through these Sunday events, and events to follow, we hope to raise sufficient funds ($3000-$5000 in addition to a pending Foundation Grant of $2400) to help support a family during their first months of adjustment to life in Madison. Funds will be needed to help with food, rent, transportation, clothing, supplies, etc. An account to hold donations to the fund designated for this ministry has been established. Any donation should be designated “Refugee Ministry”.
How to Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities to serve this ministry are many with the greatest need just before the refugee’s arrival and in the month to follow. Training for volunteer activities is provided by JSS-Madison and their national affiliate, HIAS. A recorded “Orientation” presented to our Team by JSS-Madison can be viewed online.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Securing appropriate housing (apartment or other)
- Collecting, storing, and organizing apartment furnishings
- Apartment set up prior to arrival
- Greeting upon arrival
- Orientation to their neighborhood and to the Madison community
- Providing transportation to required meetings and appointments
- Assistance in registering for school, food and assistance programs
- Mentoring in the English language
- Mentoring in job skills/placement
- Mentoring in household skills such as banking, bill paying, etc.
- Assistance in navigating public transportation
- and more
Government resettlement standards and JSS-Madison procedures require all volunteers to submit to a background check. Please provide the Team with your name, birth date and $25 to cover the cost.
Apartment Furnishing and Supplies
We will need to collect new or gently used donated furniture, furnishings and supplies sufficient for a family in a 2-bedroom apartment. A complete list of suggested materials is available from team members. Temporary storage space has been arranged and our team can schedule pick up and transportation of donated items.
Please consider joining and supporting this essential and rewarding ministry.
If you have questions, contact a Team Member or Ross Lyman: [email protected]: 815-236-6403
