Community Engagement
What You Can Do
Refugee families come to the United States seeking a safe haven from violence and persecution in their home countries. They leave behind family and friends, as well as virtually everything they own. Many Americans, seeing these families in their communities, wonder: What can I do to help? Neighbors for Refugees provides a mechanism for people to directly help new arrival refugee families with the things that they need to get started in their new lives – from diapers to beds to cleaning supplies and toiletries.
There are numerous ways to help during the year, here’s what you can do:
Donate
Purchasing or donating items such as furniture, computers, household items, food, and clothing for both newly resettled families and refugees who have been living in the U.S. for over a year.
Fulfilling the needs identified in “Giving Trees,” which we frequently include in our events and fundraisers.
Of course, we welcome cash donations. Your contribution helps us support a new family as well as families who have been here for a while, but who are still struggling or who have an unexpected financial emergency.
For more information: Send us an email at info@neighborsforrefugees.com
Volunteer
There are numerous ways to volunteer during the year. For example:
Help during one of tag sales or fund raisers
Become a driver to transport family members to appointments
Become an ESL or school tutor
Deliver donated items to families (locally and as far away as New Haven)
Help refugees find employment, including hiring them yourself (e.g., catering your next event)
Another important component of resettlement is cultural acclimation. NFR has taken our refugee families ice skating, bowling, to Yankees games, museums, Broadway shows and other theater events in NYC, to the movies, to Christmas light events, and into our own homes for holiday meals and gatherings. You can volunteer to do that, too.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this survey to let you know of your interests, skills, and passions. If you have questions, please email us at info@neighborsforrefugees.org.
Advocate
Given the current political climate, we need to advocate for refugees’ rights and let our representatives (local, state and federal) hear from us about pending legislation. For example:
We can help you set up postcard writing events or possibly meet and visit your representatives in person.
Host community dinners to educate others in Larchmont and Mamaroneck about the plight of refugees.