Exodus World Service
Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees. Volunteers from our church serve refugees by delivering Welcome to America Packs and by serving as New Neighbors.
Christmas Giving Tree to Support Refugee Families
Refugees are people who are forced to flee their country due to war or persecution. They often want to return home, but they can’t. Refugees spend an average of 17 years displaced from their homes before being resettled. Refugees are the most thoroughly vetted group that enters our country. This year, a record number of refugees are being resettled in the Chicagoland area.
This Christmas season, we have an opportunity to support refugee families by purchasing items for a Welcome Pack to help provide basic items for their first home. In addition, we have an opportunity to provide much-needed winter coats. Here’s how to participate:
· Select an ornament from the “Giving Trees” in the lobby that names a needed item.
· Bring the item back to church on Sunday, Dec. 15th or 22nd
· OR Purchase the item off the Target registry to be directly shipped to church (you can access the registry through the QR code on the ornament or through this link HERE
In addition, a portion of this year’s Christmas Fund will also go to support the educational needs of refugee children.
Child refugees are uniquely vulnerable because their education in the U.N. camps can be disrupted or spotty. Many arrive with little to no English. The school system in the US is different, including different technology, different calendar and homework policies, different support systems, and college application processes. The kids arriving now are coming in the middle of the school year and will need to catch up in many ways. This fund will go towards matching 300 children to specially trained mentors who will focus on setting up these kids for school success. To contribute to the fund, click HERE and write “Christmas Fund” in the memo section.
New Neighbor
Visit a newly arrived refugee family once a week for three months. This is a hands-on way to "welcome the stranger” in our midst. Volunteers and refugees have the opportunity to build bridges of understanding, cross-cultural learning and friendship. Volunteers answer basic questions about life in the U.S., help refugees practice their English and introduce them to their community.
To contribute to a Welcome to America Pack from Hope and to learn more, email Sarah Mohr
New Neighbor for Youth
Adult volunteers visit weekly for three months with an elementary, middle, or high school student, coordinated with Exodus and the child's parents. Volunteers help increase academic skills and confidence through fun activities, and partner with refugee parents on how to support their child's learning. Resource guides are provided.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Jeanna Choi at jeanna.choi@exodusworldservice.org or Sarah Mohr at skm1111@gmail.com.