This story reminds us of what UUCville’s Refugee Welcome outreach means. Heartfelt THANKS to so many of you for stretching your time, generosity, budgets and resources to make a more secure situation finally possible for one Afghan family. Perhaps in creating a kind welcome for them, we’re healing a bruise in our own hearts, too.

When the call came from the IRC, our Refugee Welcome volunteers rallied with just a few days’ notice and pulled it all together. Then on Christmas Eve, our family moved into their Charlottesville home.

Who are they? More details remain confidential at this point to protect their privacy, but we are hosts to a mother and father with their two sons. The oldest son, who speaks English, is 24. The youngest, at 16, has medical issues that need treatment. So we’re relieved that their rental house is in the University area, not far from the hospital. Many refugee families have been sent as far away as Waynesboro since affordable housing is so hard to find here.

Our volunteers who sorted and delivered donations and arranged the home so caringly have felt this congregation’s generosity and support every step of the way. Your kindness has made it possible to move this family into a comfortable space that we hope holds the beginnings of a peaceful, productive transition after traumatic passage. Our mentors will be building direct relationships to support each family member as they heal, acclimate, and move forward.

We’ll keep you posted on their progress – and some struggles that will be an inevitable part of their journey. All our efforts of the last few months have been the first steps of UUCville’s outreach ministry; there will be more opportunities to come!

For now, though, let’s all join together in gladness for our refugee family. We hope that for them as for all of us, there will be a happier New Year.

UPDATE – THESE NEEDS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED THANKS TO YOU!

Lastly, given how hard this congregation has worked on finding donations, there are just a few outstanding, although new or unexpected needs will be identified from time to time. Please provide the following if you can. Questions?

Email refugeewelcome@uucharlottesville.org.

Small saucepan with lid
Chess game
Area rugs
Snow shovel
Garden rake
Lawn mower
Printer for computer
Gift card for clothing

THANK YOU!