Interfaith Refugee Ministry - Wilmington
"For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
| Don't miss "A Ticket to Taste" fundraiser for Interfaith Refugee Ministry! April 29, 2011 7 - 10 PM St. James Episcopal Church 25 S. 3rd St Click here for more information. |
Interfaith Refugee Ministries is one of nine local affiliates of the Episcopal Migration Ministry that does the practical work of resettling refugees in the United States. These refugees are people who would be persecuted or killed if they returned to their homelands. Their plight is urgent and their options very limited. They are today’s strangers we can welcome to our community.
IRM- Wilmington teaches newly-arrived refugees how to live in the United States, helps them find employment, transports them to medical checkups and provides translation services, teaches them to use public transportation and helps them learn English. The goal is for the refugees to become self-sufficient within four to six months.
In the Spring, 2010, the Church of the Servant conducted a "Kitchen Shower" to collect contributions of new and used kitchen items to help furnish the homes of immigrants. Parishioners generously contributed enough kitchen items to assist a number of families who arrived in April and May.
There are two ways to get involved with IRM-Wilmington. Join the group of interested parishioners in deciding how COS can best support refugee resettlement in Wilmington and help us plan contribution drives/fund raising or volunteer directly with IRM-Wilmington.
- Volunteers are needed to: teach ESOL; visit refugees who do not have sponsorship, transport refugees to job interviews, medical appointments, etc.; teach every day skills (operating a thermostat, writing checks, etc.)
This is a new ministry for Church of the Servant and it could evolve into other levels of involvement with Interfaith Refugee Ministry. Options available for us are:
- Full-sponsorship: A church on its own, or with another church, can help a family by
finding them housing, furnishings, clothing and jobs; providing help in learning English; and making them
a part of their community. This requires a concerted team effort with many adults involved.
- Mary and Joseph Packs: A church on its own, or with another church/group, can prepare
and deliver basic kitchen items, personal hygiene items or welcome packs to those families who have no
church or sponsorship.
- Contributions and Delivery: A church can help collect and deliver donated, good
quality used furniture, household items, computers, bikes, or cars.
- Partial Co-Sponsorship: On itsr own, or with another church, a church can collect and deliver furnishings and household goods (per a list of needed items) for a family and donate their maintenance support for at least one month, at least $600. If possible, the church would also help teach English, mentor, transport or help with job search.
If you want to learn more about IRM or have thoughts about how Church of the Servant can best get involved in this ministry, please contact Carol Milam: csm21046@gmail.com or 857-544-8271.