Thank you for your wonderful response to our Immigration survey! We received 52 responses with 100% support for sponsoring a refugee family if there are enough people to form a team. Many people commented that it’s part of our call as Christians and gives us the chance to put words into action. Several people stated that given the US role in Afghanistan, it’s our responsibility to help.
Ten people volunteered to be part of the core team trained to work intensively with the family we are matched with: Janet Gwilym and Vicki Schoettle, Co-leaders; Al Bentley, Judy Bentley, Christine Hanson, Carol Mooney, Mary Margaret Pruitt, Valerie Newman Sils, Warren Smith, and Ruth Williamson.
This group will meet on Zoom in December to get acquainted and begin planning. Training with World Relief or Lutheran Community Services NW will take place in January and February 2022. Plymouth will likely be matched with a family in March.
In addition to the team volunteers, many other people indicated their willingness to help in a variety of ways.
- 30 people said they could help with an occasional task.
- 35 people offered occasional material support.
- 2 people offered possible short-term housing.
- 5 people offered possible furniture or vehicle donations.
At least one person volunteered to help with almost every task. The majority checked grocery shopping, tutoring a school-aged child, or being an adult conversation partner. This will be a huge help in March when we expect to know more about what the family will need.
Some people expressed interest in getting more information on how they can help as individuals with other immigrants and asylees in different areas of interest. We’ll contact them soon.
We are so grateful for your generous support, Plymouth! As we move forward, the biggest need is still affordable long and short-term housing in the Puget Sound area. Please contact us with any possible leads.
-Carol Mooney for the Immigration Ministry Team