Published July 20, 2010 by in
Some of you may have read about how our church is beginning to be involved in helping refugees that have been located to Dallas from all over the world. If you would like to be involved in this, below are some of the needs that they have. I have organized them based on what you might have to give:
Time:
-Often this is the most important one – just spend time with someone, with a translator, get to know them, make them feel like they are not so alone, and also grow to understand some of their other needs just by spending time with them. Often they have left close family support and have come here on their own.
-Rides are very helpful, if you have a car and could drive someone to doctor’s appointments, to the grocery store, to job interviews, etc.
-Spend some time teaching people how to use the internet, their microwaves, how to navigate a bus system or DART rail, how to look up information or navigate a library.
Stuff:
-Many young refugee families have children, so children’s clothes, toys, diapers, strollers, car seats, etc. are helpful.
-Staple foods or groceries, including nonperishables like canned goods
-Furniture or appliances that you might be getting rid of
-Clothes for adults, especially professional clothes for a job-seeker
Money:
-If you are in a place to donate financially, I would be happy to pass that along to RST! I know that they have many uses for funding.
Connections/Knowledge:
-Refugees are often looking for employment. Any connections or job training are always welcome.
-RST is also working up an ESL program to help teach English. If you are interested in leading, teaching, or helping with this, please let me know!
Please contact me (Abbey Daniels) at fmscdallas@gmail.com if you would like to be involved, and we can discuss the best way to go about it!