Refugee Community Sponsorship

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Catholic Charities is the largest resettlement site throughout Kansas. The majority of refuges that we serve flee from Burma, locations in Southeast Asia. Ethnic groups represented include Chin, Karen, and Karenni. Other refugees travel from Bhutan, Iraq, Somalia, Congo, Eritrea, and Iran. The resettlement process can often take years, when refugees arrive they are looking for a place to call their home. Our volunteers have the unique opportunity to contribute their time by coming along side families to help them adjust. Volunteers can become Community Sponsors for a family at one of three levels.

Level 1 - Housing Helper: Collect donations for setting up a family’s home, participate in home set-up, and (optional) welcome refugees from the airport. Volunteers are asked to commit 1-2 weeks of their time to fulfill this need.

Level 2 - Community Explorer: Take an assigned family grocery shopping, clothing shopping (at TurnStyles Thrift), and help complete a bus training and community navigation session. Level 2 sponsors are asked to contribute move in supplies and family bus passes. Volunteers must commit 1-2 months of the time to fulfill this level.

Level 3 - Family Advocate/Mentor: Perform all of the duties of a Level 2 Sponsor as well as providing employment, transportation, and educational support through English classes and cultural orientation. Contribute family bus passes and rent and utility assistance up to 6 months. We ask volunteers to make a 6 month commitment at this level.

If interested in this opportunity or have any questions reach out to our Volunteer Engagement team at ccnekvolunteers@catholiccharitiesks.org