Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees and Partners are excited to announce our new “Salaam Neighbors” program, utilizing volunteer welcome teams to provide support and friendship to our new Afghan neighbors. This requires a commitment of time and caring for at least 3 months after arrival to help them adjust to their new home. As one refugee recently told a volunteer: “Thank you for not leaving me alone in a country that is not mine.”
(Left: If you volunteer on a Salaam Neighbors team, you might be lucky enough to help with the family’s preparation of a special meal of Aushak. Photo by Mindy Sheldon) The Salaam Neighbors program pairs a group of volunteers with a refugee family, in partnership with Refugee Services of Texas (RST). Volunteers will assist one or more Afghan families with specific tasks that will help them adjust and thrive in Austin, including:
Salaam Neighbors groups may also take the families to libraries, parks and other places of interest, experiencing the favorite spots that Austinites love! Salaam Neighbors groups will consist of a group of 2-10 individuals or 1-3 families who will commit to work together in a volunteer capacity to help the refugee family over the 3 month period. Salaam Neighbors Planning Committee: Nancy Wolf, Bettie Forman, Sandy Bootz, Chichi Armstrong, Julie van de Zande, Cathy Campbell, Del Garcia, Sherry Blum and Sana Yusuf Below is the link for the December 21 information session. Just type your name and email to be able to access it:
Please fill out the form below if you are interested in participating in the program:
|
|
