Capital Rainbow Refuge’s Post

Each year, millions of people worldwide are forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, and persecution in pursuit of refuge. The United States is uniquely positioned to welcome forcibly displaced people from around the world, and the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to refugees and asylum seekers. We invite you to join us in putting God's love into action through stepping into our calling to love and serve those who are suffering among us. For those of you who live in Orange County, California > On Saturday, March 16th, Voice of Refugees, Home for Refugees USA, and World Relief Southern California will host a volunteer rally in Anaheim for volunteers to bring awareness to who is doing what to welcome refugees and how you can join the mission of Loving Our Neighbors. For more information on our Loving Our Neighbors event, email info@hfrusa.org. To RSVP, please scan the QR code on the flyer. Volunteers from all faiths are welcome. ……………………. If you live anywhere in the U.S. and would like to learn more about welcoming refugees, email info@hfrusa.org. We coach community sponsorship teams across the U.S. in welcoming and resettling newly arriving refugees – (1) teams partnering with Southern California refugee resettlement agencies for community co-sponsorship teams (refugees from various countries), (2) private sponsorship groups with Welcome Corps (refugees from various countries), and (3) community sponsorship teams with Sponsor Circles resettling Ukrainians. #homeforrefugees #creatinghomestartswithus #lovingourneighbors #California #OrangeCounty #Anaheim #refugees #communitysponsorship #volunteering

Refugee families fleeing violence and persecution need to know that the United States will continue to be a welcoming and safe country. Learn more about how you can provide an orderly and legal pathway to safety for newcomers seeking refuge in the U.S. Watch an info session and Q&A hosted by Welcome.US staff and Amy, an experienced sponsor, who shares more information about what it means to sponsor, who is seeking sponsorship, and how you can qualify for financial support. Plus, get tips on fundraising, addressing language barriers, and more. Watch anytime, anywhere to learn what sponsorship involves and how you can get started. → https://lnkd.in/eCvtr7Jp

OUR IMPACT IN 2023 📢 We’re committed to making a difference in Europe! At JRS Europe, our commitment to providing assistance knows no bounds. In 2023, we proudly served 235,029 refugees and forcibly displaced individuals across Europe. Through or dedication to uphold refugee rights by providing support in livelihoods, mental health, education, advocacy, legal aid, healthcare, pastoral care, and emergency relief we made an impact in 23 countries. Together with our incredible partners, we're extending our reach even further. Through our One Proposal program, we supported over 44,723 people who have been forced to flee the violence in Ukraine. Totaling 100,765 refugees aided since the start of the conflict, as of December 2023. Our education projects, including CHANGE, U-CHANGE, and CHANGE Environment, are empowering youth to shape brighter futures through knowledge and skills. With "Detention Under the Spotlight," we're shining a light on the challenges faced in migrant detention and working tirelessly to advocate for an end to this practice. Our vision for Europe is one where human rights, protection, hospitality, integration, and reconciliation flourish in inclusive and welcoming societies. Read our Annual Report 2023 to learn more: https://t.co/IUySO6sLD3

Empathy, courage, and heart are essential qualities for any kind of change. Without empathy, we cannot understand the struggles of others and therefore, fail to take action. It takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and make a difference, especially when it comes to challenging societal norms. And most importantly, change starts from the heart - a genuine desire to bring about positive impact in the world. Even though small changes may seem insignificant, they have the power to create a ripple effect and eventually lead to bigger transformations. Every act of kindness and empathy towards one another can spark a chain reaction that brings about meaningful change in our society. #ThePowerofOne #Empathy #Collaboration #Innovation #Achievement

Indiana is a welcoming state. To receive those from other regions of the country and the world is part of who we are. At different times in our state’s history, communities have found their way here, knowing there would be a place to live, a community to be part of, a sense of welcome. Granted, the landscape of our history is not without its shadows. There were times when we failed at welcoming those who weren’t like us. Differences were sometimes disastrous and even diabolical. But Indiana is in the middle of a movement that could be called monumental, even historical. Cultures and communities are moving here in growing numbers. The patchwork of our city is becoming an increasingly vivid testimony to the beauty of diversity. Now, Patchwork Indy is transitioning into a new way of welcoming with the Private Sponsorship program of the Welcome Corps. This exciting program is giving people all over the state a new vision of how to support and encourage some of the 117 million displaced around the world in 2023. This new program could open up numerous avenues and locations for Hoosiers to bring refugees into all parts of our state. It has the potential to expand and transform the Indiana workforce and develop new and exciting communities. As we work with groups of individuals all over Indiana who have chosen to sponsor refugees and refugee families, Patchwork Indy is confident and proud that, in a new way, Indiana is once again being seen as a welcoming state. Bruce Garrison, Chief Executive Officer

Event Takeaways: Building Resilient Community Sponsorship Programs in Europe and Beyond 🌍    Explore the key takeaways from the "Building Resilient Community Sponsorship Programs in Europe and Beyond" event organized by the European Commission, European Union Agency for Asylum – EUAA, and The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI), held at the Mission of Canada to the EU in Brussels on October 12-13, 2023.    The event aimed to advance community sponsorship of refugees globally. The key highlights include:     1️⃣ Global Refugee Crisis: With new crises emerging worldwide, from Afghanistan to Ukraine, the number of displaced people has exceeded 110 million in 2023. The burden of hosting and protecting refugees remains unequal, with some countries bearing a major share.    2️⃣ Policy and Operational Innovations: Despite challenges, there have been significant innovations in community welcome and sponsorship. Panellists discussed formal and ad-hoc sponsorship arrangements developed in Europe and beyond.    3️⃣ Sustainable Solutions: Participants emphasized the need to ensure that lessons learned from recent crises inform the development of sustainable programs for the future, rather than being limited to immediate responses.    4️⃣ Workshop Discussions: On the second day, participants engaged in workshops focusing on key thematic areas such as housing, partnerships, education, and labor pathways.    This report provides an in-depth overview of the discussions, capturing diverse perspectives and highlighting strategies for building resilient community sponsorship programs.    https://lnkd.in/d7TnD242  

✨ Be a Lifeline to Refugees—Join REACTsponsors Today! ✨ Through the Welcome Corps, REACT DC is guiding Private Sponsor Groups to welcome refugees to America. As a sponsor, you’ll help a refugee or refugee family transition to life in your community—whether it’s securing housing, finding a job, enrolling kids in school, or connecting them with essential services. With a team of at least 5 people, you can offer practical support and a sense of belonging during their first 90 days. Your group will be paired with a trusted resettlement organization (that’s us!), providing step-by-step guidance, fundraising help, and access to resources to make your sponsorship a success. Anyone can do it! Groups can be faith institutions, veterans, diaspora communities, or just everyday Americans coming together to welcome refugees from places like Afghanistan, Venezuela, or Congo. 💬 “It’s not just about housing; it’s about building lasting relationships. They will enrich your life in ways you can’t anticipate.” - Leah, Sponsor from MN 💬 “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth absolutely everything.” - Brett, Sponsor from MN 📅 Ready to make a life-changing impact? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eUaAMc2g or email reactsponsors@reactdc.org. #BeAWelcomer #WelcomeCorps #REACTsponsors #RefugeeSupport

I'm thrilled to celebrate five years at HIAS! It's been an incredible journey working alongside dedicated colleagues and making a tangible impact on the lives of people worldwide. Here are some highlights from the past half-decade: - Crisis Response: Mobilized effective responses to the fall of Kabul, the war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. We raised upwards of $1 million for humanitarian aid and facilitated the formation of 34 local private sponsorship groups to welcome over 100 individual refugees in California. - Policy Wins: Successfully advocated for policy and funding wins for HIAS' four California resettlement affiliates through strategic partnerships with organizations like Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and the CHIRLA-led CA Welcomes Coalition. This resulted in securing $8 million over three years for asylee case management, putting up strong fronts to secure state support for asylum shelter programs at the border. - Partnership Expansion: Grew HIAS' reach by recruiting JFCS of Long Beach/West Orange County to become our newest California resettlement partner to earn U.S. Department of State approval to welcome newcomers. - Advocacy and Education: Designed and implemented numerous advocacy and educational programs to empower individuals to take action on behalf of refugees. These initiatives have had a profound impact on raising awareness and fostering support for our cause. While reflecting on our achievements, it's clear that the refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people are increasingly politicized worldwide, making our work more crucial than ever. I invite you support HIAS in these challenging times. Looking forward to continuing the work with so many of you across my network! #refugeeswelcome #refugeesupport #asylumseekers #asylum #humanitarian #humanitarianwork #humanitarianism #emergencyresponse #crisisresponse

🌟 Join Us in Making a Difference: RCAG Seeking Board Members and Volunteers! Dear LinkedIn Community, I am thrilled to introduce the Refugee Community Action Group (RCAG), a passionate and dedicated non-profit organization committed to supporting refugees and their families during their resettlement journey. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower resilience and foster belonging. Who We Are: RCAG is more than an organization; it’s a movement—a collective of compassionate individuals who believe that every person, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to thrive. We work tirelessly to provide holistic support, advocacy, and community integration for refugees in Central New York. Our Focus Areas: Advocacy: We amplify the voices of refugees, advocating for their rights and access to essential services. Education: We offer language classes, skill-building workshops, and educational opportunities to empower refugees. Health and Well-Being: Physical and mental health are paramount. We provide healthcare resources and trauma-informed support. Community Engagement: Bridges are built through connections. We foster understanding and collaboration between refugees and local residents. Youth Empowerment: Our young refugees are future leaders. We mentor, educate, and empower them to shape their destinies. How You Can Get Involved: Board of Directors: We are actively seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you have expertise in governance, fundraising, or community development, we’d love to hear from you! Volunteers: Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a mentor, or simply someone with a big heart, your time and skills can make a difference. Join us in creating a welcoming community. Connect with Us: Visit our website at www.refcag.com to learn more about our services and impact. Let’s build bridges together! 📩 Interested? Send me a message or email us at david@refcag.org. Together, we can create a world where displacement is met with welcome, and where every person finds a place to call home. David Langevin - Executive Director #RefugeesWelcome #CommunityAction #Empowerment #Belonging

Want to hear directly from Grassroots International about what it's like funding in Haiti and Gaza right now? Read my Q&A. Thanks to Chung Wha Hong, Boaventura Monjane, Ayman Nijim of Grassroots International.