Because the move to the United States can be drastic and overwhelming for our clients, KRM attempts to co-sponsor each refugee or refugee family with a church, religious organization, or civic group.  With the time, energy, and support of a group of volunteers, the refugees are given a stable foundation from which to begin their new life.  While the agency is committed to the refugees for the first five years after their arrival to the United States, the sponsoring church, organization, or group can provide useful assistance as guide, friend, and advocate to the refugee for the first three months after their arrival.

Sponsors from Springdale Presbyterian welcome a refugee family to Kentucky.

As a guide, the sponsor will help to provide a safe and affordable place for the client to live for the first three months after arrival.  Food for the first few days, clothing, and furniture are also basic necessities that sponsors can provide to ensure a comprehensive starting point for the family.  The church, organization, or civic group can also provide transportation to the many appointments necessary for resettlement (social security office, food stamp office, doctor’s appointments, getting the children enrolled in school, etc.).  Eventually, learning to use public transportation will be essential for the refugee so that they may travel to ESL classes, work, and other appointments or commitments.  The sponsor can help the client to learn the transportation system and in turn contribute to one of the many steps toward self-sufficiency. 

As a friend, sponsors welcome the family to their new community and see that they are familiar and comfortable in their new surroundings.  As the first ones to welcome them at the airport, the sponsor is providing a ministry of hospitality that will make them feel welcome and supported.  Friendships often last long after the three-month sponsorship period has ended.  Churches, organizations, and groups have the unique experience of continuing to see the family make strides in their personal and professional lives.  As the refugees become increasingly more independent, the sponsor can feel good knowing that their ministry has had a life-long impact on a family.

Sponsor and refugee families share Christmas.

As an advocate, the sponsor can provide encouragement and support in all realms of the refugee’s life.  Ensuring that the family is not subject to discrimination in daily living or exploited in the workplace are ways that the church, organization, or group can be a voice for the client.  Furthermore, after the three-month sponsorship period is over, the sponsor may feel inspired to participate in advocacy in the form of letter writing, education, and other forms of volunteer work for the larger refugee community.

While the sponsorship experience is time consuming and demanding, sponsoring groups are called to outreach in many forms.  The positive aspects of this ministry far exceed any difficult challenges.  For the sponsor, refugee ministry means an opportunity for community building, participating in mission, learning about and appreciating other cultures, and practicing hospitality.

What some of our former sponsors say about their experiences:

“I very much appreciate the way staff (of KRM) gently, but firmly, helps with boundary setting and independence issues.”
-Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ

“I am sure the church will sponsor again…because the experience has been so positive for our parish, I am confident they would repeat.”
-St. Matthews Episcopal Church

“I had no idea it would be such a rich experience…we’ve learned together and laughed about our differences.”
-St. Paul United Methodist Church

More detailed information on the rewards and responsibilities of sponsorship can be found in the following documents:

Sponsorship Makes a Difference
Responsibilities of Sponsorship

KRM Church Co-Sponsors
2007
2006
2005

For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Lee Welsh at 479-9180 x14.

The following churches have co-sponsored a refugee family (indicated in bold) or have provided volunteer or financial assitance to Kentucky Refugee Ministries in 2005 and 2006.