Kentucky Refugee Ministries benefits from the help of many volunteers from service and educational institutions as well as faith-based communities who help co-sponsor a refugee or refugee family.  Co-sponsors provide critical resources and support during the first three months of resettlement – an incredibly difficult transitional period for refugees.

With the time, energy, and support of a group of co-sponsoring volunteers, refugees are given a stable foundation from which to begin their new life.  While KRM is committed to our clients for the first five years after their arrival to the United States, the co-sponsoring faith-based community, organization or group can provide useful assistance as guide, friend, and advocate to the refugee for the first three months after their arrival.

Sponsors from Springdale Presbyterian welcome a refugee family to Kentucky.

As a guide, the co-sponsor will help provide a safe and affordable place for the client to live for the first three months after arrival.  Food for the first few days, clothing and furniture are also basic necessities that co-sponsors can help provide to ensure a comprehensive starting point for the family.  The co-sponsors can also provide transportation to the many appointments necessary for resettlement (social security office, food stamp office, doctor’s appointments, school enrollment, etc.).  Eventually, learning to use public transportation will be essential for the refugee so that they may travel to ESL classes, work and other appointments or commitments.  The co-sponsor can help the client learn the transportation system and in turn contribute to one of the many steps toward self-sufficiency. 

As an advocate, the co-sponsor can provide encouragement and support in all realms of the refugee’s life.  Ensuring that the family is not subject to discrimination in daily living or exploited in the workplace are ways that the co-sponsor can be a voice for the client.  Furthermore, after the three-month co-sponsorship period is over, the co-sponsor may feel inspired to participate in advocacy in the form of letter writing, community education or other forms of volunteer work for the larger refugee community.

While the co-sponsorship experience is time-consuming and demanding, co-sponsoring groups are called to outreach in many forms.  The positive aspects of this ministry far exceed any difficult challenges.  For the co-sponsor, refugee ministry means an opportunity for community building, participating in mission, learning about and appreciating other cultures and practicing hospitality.

What some of our former co-sponsors say about their experiences:

“I very much appreciate the way staff (of KRM) gently, but firmly, helps with boundary setting and independence issues.”
-Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ

“I am sure the church will co-sponsor again…because the experience has been so positive for our parish, I am confident they would repeat.”
-St. Matthews Episcopal Church