What is a Community co-Sponsor?

The best way to learn about the refugee resettlement process is to get involved first-hand.  Our organization is comprised 100% of volunteers who play an active role in helping Safe Harbor Southington welcome newly arriving refugees.  We invite you to join our team and experience it for yourself!  There are so many ways to get involved.  Below are the roles and responsibilities of each of our committees:

• Administrator - Ensure that each committee completes required documentation. Collect required forms and submit to IRIS by deadlines.  

• Fundraising - Spearhead the effort to raise $7,000-$12,000 to defray family living expenses, primarily to subsidize the rent for the first 3-6 months.

• Technology - Assist Safe Harbor and the family with technology related issues, such as Google calendar, sharing of documents, access to Wi-Fi, etc. 

• House Search - Select neighborhood(s) based on school quality, access to public transportation and food.  Negotiate a lease and connect utilities.  Be available to help with any landlord issues during the first 6 months. 

• Housing Set-Up - Collect required furniture and household items based on IRIS checklist. Stock fridge and pantry with groceries and staples prior to family's arrival.

• Transportation - Research public transportation options before family arrives.  Teach family how to use public transportation. Arrange for transportation of family in situations where public transportation is not possible/practical.

• Ride Coordinator(s) - Identify a list of drivers willing to take family to initial appointments (i.e. medical, department of social services, social security office, school, ESOL classes, DMV, job interviews, Cultural Orientation at IRIS office,  and in emergencies).  Collect copies of drivers licenses and insurance cards for all volunteer drivers. Coordinate rides when needed.

• Childcare - Develop list of volunteers who will provide childcare during adult appointments and in emergencies. Act as contact point for family and arrange for care when needed. Research and help family access long term childcare resource(s). 

• Healthcare - Accompany each refugee to a Refugee Health Assessments (RHA) within 30 days of arrival.  Identify primary care and mental health providers in the area.  Accompany family to first appointments and assist as an advocate. Teach family to navigate healthcare system independently.  Assist with urgent or emergency medical needs.

• Family Finance - Develop a co-sponsorship budget by identifying all income and expenses. Oversee resettlement disbursements.  Help family access all eligible sources of funding, including applying for food stamps (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), and registering at a local food pantry. Develop and coach family on household budget, managing resources, and building a credit history.  

• Interpertor - Develop a list of individuals speaking the family's language (i.e. Dari, Pashto, Farsi, to name a few) who are willing to act as interpreters and attend important meetings and appointments.

• Employment - Assist employable individuals with employment preparation in order to work towards self-sufficiency. Identify potential employment opportunities before family arrives. Asist with job applications and the interview process. 

• Cultural Orientation – Ensure family attends federally required orientation programs at Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS). Teach family the basics of how to operate the mechanical aspects of their home, including plumbing, electrical, and appliances. Discuss hygiene and dress, especially as it relates to job interviews and general community acceptance.

• Education – Learn school registration process and school resources for ESOL learners.  Register children in school and/or childhood education programs for toddlers. Help family navigate public school bus pick-up and drop off.  Act as liaison with public schools that children attend.

• English as a Second Language – Register adults for free ESOL classes. Learn school resources and ensure children have access.  Work with family on acquisition of English. 

• Welcome - Meet family at designated arrival point.  Obtain and bring seasonally appropriate clothing.  Arrange to have interpreter attend.  Arrange for preparation of culturally appropriate hot meal for arrival day.