St. John’s Refugee Ministry is pleased to report that despite numerous bureaucratic delays, progress is being made in welcoming both the family from Afghanistan and the family from Venezuela.
The Afghan family has been settled into a cozy three-bedroom apartment in Bethesda-Chevy Chase. An energetic team of volunteers from St John’s—assisted by the father of the family, members of the Islamic community, and the Georgetown School of Foreign Affairs—were able to move, unpack, assemble and distribute the furniture and furnishings previously donated by St. John’s and others, or acquired from IKEA, in the space of five hours. Since then, the children have received missing vaccinations and been enrolled in school/preschool. The family has visited a local dentist and received care and is able to collect food from Nourishing Bethesda. They also have Metro and library cards, and have been using both independently. Three volunteer English tutors are working separately with each of the parents and the children, who are all quick and eager learners. Future and ongoing needs are for employment, driver education, and summer activities. Please join the team, especially if you will be in Bethesda during summer months with time to spare.
The Venezuelan family has been moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Bethesda-Chevy Chase, set up with furniture and other household goods donated by generous St John’s members or purchased from IKEA. One family member is working and another is looking to find work, with children or as a cook. The family has been connected with Nourishing Bethesda, has familiarized themselves with the Bethesda Circulator bus, and will meet with their St. John’s volunteer English language tutor for the first time this week. Additional volunteer opportunities include employment search assistance, arranging outings in the area, finding specialist doctors, and occasional driving to appointments.
If you are interested in volunteering, please use the form below to let us know.
We are very grateful for all the contributions of time and goods to help welcome and support these two families as they become independent members of our community!
- Christie and Liz, Co-Chairs, St. John's Refugee Ministry
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Please complete this form to connect with Refugee Ministry members Christie, Yoon, and Liz.