Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church at 4865 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341 US - Refugee Family
| Refugee Family |
The story of the Birukwishaka family was highlighted recently in this story from The Grand Rapids Press!
The United States has agreed to resettle a group of Burundian refugees who have lived in Tanzanian refugee camps since 1972, and the OLC family is reaching out in love and mercy to help one of the families!
The refugees, who are not able to return safely to their homes in Burundi or settle permanently in Tanzania, were referred to the United States for resettlement consideration by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Known as the “1972 Burundians,” the group resides in three different refugee camps in Tanzania: Ngara in the north, Kibondo in the country’s central region, and Kasulu in the south.
During FY 2007, the United States will resettle 2,000 to 3,000 of the refugees. An additional 4,000 to 5,000 will be resettled during FY 2008 and FY 2009.
Who are the 1972 Burundians? Why are they being resettled in the United States? What are their cultural customs and background characteristics? What will their resettlement needs be?
Read an interesting backgrounder here.
Our family arrived on Monday, September 24th. Chances are they will come with one small bag of belongings for the entire family. They will not speak English and they have no extended family here. They do have some friends that are coming with them and they are being sponsored by a Methodist Church in the NE part of Grand Rapids. Bethany will try to place their friends in the NE part of Grand Rapids.
- Dad - Sebastiano, 35
- Mom - Emmanuelina, 30
- Daughter - Edisa, 4
- Son - Emable, 9
- Son - Heremenejeridi, 7
- Son - Sylvesta, 1 1/2
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP ASSIST OUR REFUGEE FAMILY!
To help our refugee family adjust to the many assets of American life many volunteers are needed to spend time teaching and helping them understand how our products work. If you can spare one hour a week you can make a difference in the lives of this family. Please contact Julie Buehler to volunteer.
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Need volunteers to teach them how to use our food products and kitchen appliances, also how to store food.
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Need volunteers to teach cleaning skills and safety procedures.
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Need tutors to teach English, writing, math and money identification. Classes are available for the volunteers and there are materials available for your use.
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Drivers to take them grocery shopping and teach them to budget their food allowance.
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Drivers who will take them to the doctor/hospital and help with medical needs.
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Finance advisor – one person who is willing to teach them how to budget their money and how to pay their bills.
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Volunteer who is willing to teach them life skills such as using a phone, what to do in case of an emergency, how to call the school, doctor, case manager, etc.
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Volunteers who are willing to be the school advocate. Make sure communication is happening between the teacher and the parent/child. We would need one parent for each grade level. We are looking for transportation for the child in preschool and substitutes for all the children on days when the key driver is unable to transport.
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Job advocate for the father. Person to help the father get a job and help coordinate transportation with Bethany Christian.
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Volunteer who continues to inform the parents of opportunities to be a part of our community and helps them feel welcome.
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Volunteer who is willing to help teach the father how to drive. The first segment would involve recognizing roads signs and how to respond. This segment would not involve driving any car yet.
Family Update (October 8):
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We are in need of winter clothing for mom and the toddler. Mom would like some skirts which are ankle length. She also needs shirts and pants. Her sizes are 6-8 for pants and small to medium for tops.
- Sylvesta, the toddler, needs winter clothing sizes 18-24 months (boy).
- Also there are many refugees requesting bicycles. Please let Julie know if you have one to donate.