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Circle of Welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Circle of Welcome co-sponsorship program?
The Circle of Welcome is a co-sponsorship program facilitated by Lutheran Social Services (LSS) that encourages community members to actively participate in welcoming and supporting refugee families resettling in the United States.
What does co-sponsorship entail?
Co-sponsorship involves a close partnership between a local resettlement agency (such as LSS), a community group, and a refugee family. Co-sponsors commit to providing financial support, essential services, and guidance to refugee families for a period of six months.
What are the responsibilities of co-sponsors?
Co-sponsors are expected to contribute financially (between $1,000 to $3,000) to support the refugee family's needs, attend co-sponsorship training, pass a background check, and dedicate at least 3 hours per week in the first month and 2 hours per week for the following months to provide essential services and support.
How many members should be in a co-sponsorship team?
Refugee families benefit from learning about U.S. culture, feeling a sense of belonging in their new community, receiving introductions and connections, improving English language skills, receiving employment support, and developing friendships that offer support, encouragement, and empowerment.
What benefits do resettlement agencies gain from co-sponsorship?
Resettlement agencies benefit from co-sponsorship by receiving help in securing housing, finding employment opportunities, creating a more welcoming community for refugees, raising match for Match Grant programs through volunteer hours and donations, assisting with transportation needs, and increasing the capacity of Case Managers through core services provided by co-sponsors.
What benefits do community groups have in participating?
Community groups gain new understanding about refugees, have a hands-on way to get involved, make a positive impact, learn from others, explore new cultures and religions, and establish long-lasting bonds and friendships with refugee families.
What is The Circle of Welcome co-sponsorship program?
The Circle of Welcome is a co-sponsorship program facilitated by Lutheran Social Services (LSS) that encourages community members to actively participate in welcoming and supporting refugee families resettling in the United States.
What does co-sponsorship entail?
Co-sponsorship involves a close partnership between a local resettlement agency (such as LSS), a community group, and a refugee family. Co-sponsors commit to providing financial support, essential services, and guidance to refugee families for a period of six months.
What are the responsibilities of co-sponsors?
Co-sponsors are expected to contribute financially (between $1,000 to $3,000) to support the refugee family's needs, attend co-sponsorship training, pass a background check, and dedicate at least 3 hours per week in the first month and 2 hours per week for the following months to provide essential services and support.
How many members should be in a co-sponsorship team?
Refugee families benefit from learning about U.S. culture, feeling a sense of belonging in their new community, receiving introductions and connections, improving English language skills, receiving employment support, and developing friendships that offer support, encouragement, and empowerment.
What benefits do resettlement agencies gain from co-sponsorship?
Resettlement agencies benefit from co-sponsorship by receiving help in securing housing, finding employment opportunities, creating a more welcoming community for refugees, raising match for Match Grant programs through volunteer hours and donations, assisting with transportation needs, and increasing the capacity of Case Managers through core services provided by co-sponsors.
What are the core services provided by co-sponsors?
Core services provided by co-sponsors include but are not limited to helping with housing, employment support, transportation assistance, cultural orientation, English language practice, social connections, and general advocacy for the refugee family's needs.
How do co-sponsors log their hours of service?
Co-sponsors are required to log their hours of service as part of the program's accountability and tracking system in the web-based app, WelcomeWorks. This helps in assessing the level of support provided and the impact of the co-sponsorship efforts.
How can interested individuals or groups get involved in The Circle of Welcome co-sponsorship program?
Interested individuals or groups can reach out to Lutheran Social Services Community Sponsorship Coordinator, at clara.james@lssjax.org or call 904-730-8298 to inquire about participation, attend training sessions, and begin the co-sponsorship journey of welcoming and supporting refugee families.
FAQ: Refugee Placement Process for the United States
How are refugees selected for resettlement in the United States?
Refugees eligible for resettlement in the U.S. are identified and referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another designated refugee referral organization. They undergo a rigorous screening process by various U.S. government agencies before approval for resettlement.
What is the role of resettlement agencies like Lutheran Social Services (LSS) in the refugee placement process?
Resettlement agencies such as LSS play a crucial role in the refugee placement process by coordinating and facilitating various services for refugees upon their arrival in the U.S. These services include housing assistance, employment support, cultural orientation, language training, and community integration programs.
The refugee resettlement process duration can vary widely depending on individual circumstances, country of origin, security checks, and available resources. On average, the process can take from several months to a few years from initial referral to arrival in the U.S.
Can individuals or groups sponsor refugees directly for resettlement in the U.S.?
While direct sponsorship by individuals or groups is not typically part of the U.S. refugee resettlement process, programs like the Circle of Welcome co-sponsorship initiative allow community involvement and support for refugees already approved for resettlement through designated resettlement agencies.
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