Our congregation has been moved by news of people displaced by wars, violence, and political unrest around the world. With millions of families forced to flee their homes, we have been inspired to find a way to create a bridge to safety for a displaced family. Our interest led us to Welcome Corps.
Welcome Corps is a national program that offers a clear blueprint for community-based action to support refugees for a critical three-month transition period. The program provides directions and resources to help groups organize themselves to provide the kinds of support refugees need to settle into a new community. All participating refugee families and individuals may work in the U.S., and the goal of the program is to help them become independent.
Following the Welcome Corps model, our congregation has joined with other churches and individuals in the community to apply to host a family, and our application has been approved. Fundraising is underway, with a goal to secure $12,000 to assist with living expenses.
Your gift to the Corning Refugee Welcome Program will be held in an account of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Corning NY. All funds will be used to assist the family we sponsor with expenses such as housing, transportation, health care, and household goods. Any funds left after our sponsorship period ends will be donated to Welcome Corps or used to support another family.
To receive updates on our activities or to volunteer to help us welcome newcomers to our community, click "Find out More" below.
To donate to our efforts, send your check payable to First Congregational United Church of Christ, 171 West Pulteney Street, Corning, NY 14830. Please write “Refugee Welcome Project” on the memo line. You can also give online at the link below.
Thank you for your support!