The Circle of Welcome is a co-sponsorship program that invites the community to get involved in Lutheran Social Services’ work of welcoming newcomers.
Co-Sponsorship is a special relationship between a local resettlement agency, a community group, and a refugee family. Co-Sponsors walk alongside and support a refugee family for the first six months in the U.S. and serve as community guides and friends.
The team is made up of at least 6-10 core team members. More than 10, would be considered support team members.
The teams receives training then is linked to an incoming refugee family that is assigned to Lutheran Social Services of NE FL. The case worker and the Co-Sponsorship Coordinator stays in contact with the team throughout their time assigned to the family to provide support and resources when needed.
The team will commit to 3 hours per week for the first month and at least 2 hours per week for months 2-6 (hours are split between the team members). During that time, they will assist the families in a variety of ways including: housing set up, airport pick up, community orientation, school enrollment, transportation to health appointments, referrals to English class, and more.
This is a great way to get to know someone from a different culture and make a long lasting impact!
If you have a small group interested or just have questions---> Email Clara.James@LSSJAX.org
For more information, visit https://www.lssjax.org/circleofwelcome
Be a part of the welcome today!
