Last week we explained when and how Mission Council began to question what it means to “welcome” refugees and immigrants, given the national narrative. This week we’ll share a little about what the combined task group from Giving & Mercy and Faith Sharing discovered in the local search for resources. Wichita is home to three refugee/immigrant relocation services – Catholic Charities Immigration Services, Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and International Rescue Committee (IRC). Lorrie was able to schedule visits to EMM and IRC. Both agencies serve refugees, people who have been through a lengthy vetting process and are in the US legally. Due to current immigration bans and the reduction in funding, the number of families/individual entering the US has decreased by ~50% (50,000 vs 100,000). IRC, larger than EMM, has offices in Garden City and Liberal and expects to welcome ~250 people this year and ~350 in 2018.
The service opportunities are plenty: mentoring, ESL tutoring, donation drives for specific materials (baby goods, house items), welcome kits (hygiene, bathroom, etc.), job/employment mentoring, transporting folks to interviews, the Social Security office, etc. to name a few.
What we have already done: some household items and all of the remaining clothing from our garage sale went to EMM.
Debra Lee from Episcopal Migration Ministries will provide a mentor training for those interested in working with and advocating for legal immigrants and refugees after worship on July 9. The training includes cultural orientation, healthy boundaries, helping vs. rescuing, mentor etiquette and resources. The training will take about 1½ hours and will be held in the Grace Room. From there we will expand the conversation about what it means to “welcome” refugees and immigrants.
Please bring a sack lunch to enjoy while you learn. Beverages provided.
Next Week: Resources available through the Disciples Home Ministries