What is Pella Welcome Corps?

A new program that empowers everyday Americans to come together to privately sponsor refugees, building on our country’s long tradition of providing refuge. Through Private Sponsor Groups (PSGs), community members welcome refugees into local communities and directly assist refugee newcomers as they build new lives in the United States. Members of the PSG take on tasks like securing and furnishing initial housing, greeting the refugee newcomers at the airport, enrolling children in school, and helping adults to find employment. These shared acts of welcome make it easier for refugee newcomers to adjust to life in the United States and strengthen all of our communities.

 

Do we know anything about the refugees who will be welcomed under this program?

Refugees are individuals outside of the United States who have been forced to flee their home countries due to persecution or a fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Through the Welcome Corps, you will support individuals who have been found to be refugees by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and who the U.S. government has approved for resettlement to the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Refugees are referred for resettlement when resettlement is their best possible durable solution. Before coming to the United States, all refugees admitted through the USRAP, will complete thorough security vetting and a health screening by the U.S. government. Only those refugee applicants who are cleared through an extensive security vetting process, including vetting by U.S. government law enforcement and intelligence agencies, are approved for resettlement to the United States.

 

Can I join or form a Private Sponsorship group?

We welcome anybody willing to help with this cause to be part of our local Pella Welcome Corps. Please email pellawelcomecorps@gmail.com for more details on how to get involved.

 

I love the work that is being done, but I don't have time to volunteer. Is there any other way to help?

We appreciate financial contributions to support refugee families for their first 90 days in Pella and in-kind donations of material goods necessary to furnish their homes. To contribute financially, click here. Please be sure to indicate “Pella Welcome Corps” with your donation information. To contribute household goods, please contact us with details at pellawelcomecorps@gmail.com. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us make Pella a city of refuge for those in need of a new home!