A group of volunteers from First Parish Church of Weston is meeting to discuss participation in the International Institute of New England (IINE) program “Resettle Together.” Participants will sponsor a refugee family to help them with resettlement through support with finding housing, education, work opportunities, socialization, and pathways to citizenship. IINE’s “Resettle Together” program provides an opportunity to work directly with newcomers who have been displaced by violence, political unrest, natural disasters, and war, serving as guides, mentors, and friends on the journey toward citizenship and self-sufficiency.

IINE staff provide ongoing support to volunteers and the assigned family. Interaction with and support for the sponsored family lead to more successful integration in the community as well as meaningful relationships for volunteers. As co-sponsors with IINE, volunteers would receive extensive training and support from experienced staff to help provide core resettlement services and activities such as:

•  Securing and furnishing housing

•  Transportation to medical and dental appointments

•  English tutoring and conversation practice

•  School enrollment

•  Field trips and fun social gatherings

For more information on “Resettle Together,” click here:https://iine.org/community-sponsorship-blog/. 

An informational meeting will be held on March 5 at 11:45 AM at the First Parish Church of Weston Library. Please note that you do not have to be a member of the First Parish Church to join the group. If you would like to support this effort, but can’t make a commitment to the group, there will be opportunities to make financial contributions and help with donation drives and other activities.

Please contact Jean Masland (eugmas04@gmail.com) or Camille Schmidek (Schmideks@comcast.net) if you are interested in participating or have questions.