Dear TBE Members,
We are excited to share some updates with you about TBE’s Immigration Committee, and some IMMEDIATE needs in our community.
The Immigration Committee will be led by Leslie Glenn and will have two focus areas for 2021-2022. The first will serve the local Stamford immigrant community through a partnership with the Stamford Interfaith Council, and primarily support Building One Community (B1C). These efforts will start with the collection of items for Thanksgiving meal baskets for families (more details to follow). Next, we will participate in the B1C holiday toy drive again this year. Please reach out to Leslie (leslierglenn@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining the committee to support these efforts.
B1C will be holding an in-person orientation for members of the Interfaith Council on Sunday, November 14 at 2:30pm for those interested in volunteer opportunities, or to learn more. Additional details to follow.
The second focus area will be on supporting Afghan refugee resettlement in Connecticut, in partnership with SIRS (Stamford Interfaith Refugee Settlement) and IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services). Rosalea Fisher, currently a board member of SIRS and TBE board member, will lead our congregation’s efforts. There are several immediate next steps as our community prepares to receive a number of Afghan families. If you are interested in supporting these efforts, there are three training sessions coming up on October 25-27 that volunteers must attend in order to play an active role in the resettlement process. The details are below, or feel free to reach out to Rosalea for additional information or questions. In addition, SIRS and IRIS are collecting household items that will be needed immediately for families upon arrival. Please click here for details.
Stamford is anticipating the arrival of an Afghan family of six (6) to arrive shortly. SIRS is actively trying to find a three-bedroom apartment, with a rent range of $2,250-$2,500 per month. If any congregants have a lead or potential options, please reach out to Rosalea Fisher (rosasfish@gmail.com).
The Immigration Committee will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the plans for this year, and our partnership alongside other interfaith communities in Stamford. This meeting will be held Thursday, November 4 at 8:00pm via Zoom. All are welcome to attend to learn more!
Meeting ID: 841 5810 5277 | Passcode: 234049
Thank you in advance for your support of these very important issues to our community.
FALL TRAINING:
October 25-27, 5:30-7:30pm each evening, via Zoom (link to come)
CLICK ON THE BLUE LINKS BELOW TO REGISTER
Welcome & Update on Refugee Resettlement
Putting Co-Sponsorship in Perspective
Case Management & Finances
Problems & Conflicts
Boundaries & Acculturation
Education
Employment & ESOL
Mental Health
Healthcare Coordination
IRIS Immigration Legal Services
Moving Towards Self-Sufficiency
Going Forward/Wrap Up
