New Ways To Help Support Refugees
When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
— Leviticus 19:33-34
Get Involved in BJ’s Work Supporting Refugees
Since 2016, BJ’s refugee and immigration committees have been actively working to help support refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States. As we watch the war in Ukraine unfold, we know that among its many devastating consequences will be an exacerbation of the global refugee crisis. Our hearts and our prayers are with the Ukrainian people and Jewish community, as we lift up the values of justice, freedom, and equality, and affirm our commitment to aiding those who have been displaced from their homes.
Our work with refugees who are resettling in New York continues, and we are excited to share several new opportunities for you to get involved.
HOME Program—Refugee Family Sponsorship
In partnership with HIAS, an organization that provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world, BJ is applying to serve as a host organization for a resettling refugee family through HIAS New York’s Host Organization Model of Engagement (HOME) program. The HOME program builds on HIAS’ extensive experience in resettlement and integration and collaborates with a community such as ours, with a deeply engaged volunteer network to support clients.
BJ is committed to supporting the basic needs of a resettling family as well as to help facilitate integration and self-sufficiency.
We are looking for volunteers to help support this family. Whether you have one hour, five hours, or 500 hours to spare, there’s a role for you! Please see more about the expectations for volunteers and let us know how you want to be involved by March 8.
Serving as a host organization also comes with the responsibility of financial sponsorship. Your donation to the BJ Fund to Support Refugees, Asylees, and Immigrants will help us reach our goal of raising $15,000 before we are matched with a family this spring.
Training Session: Legal Support for Afghans
Monday, March 7
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Online | Register Now
In collaboration with Good Counsel Services Inc., join a training session on Humanitarian Parole applications for Afghan nationals and their families.
Open to lawyers, law students, and anyone interested in volunteering (no legal experience needed), the training will cover the contents of a Humanitarian Parole application, how to evaluate whether individuals are eligible for Humanitarian Parole, the filing of petitions, and other necessary documents. After the training, you will be able to volunteer your time with Good Counsel Services to support Afghan families who need legal help.
Help a Refugee Start a Career
The Refugee Employment Partnership (REP) is asking for assistance connecting with local NYC employers in order to help match job candidates with potential opportunities. REP was launched at BJ more than four years ago and has placed more than 100 people in jobs. All job candidates are legally authorized to work, receive careful mentoring, and speak English, and many have advanced job skills.
Please contact David Coleman if you can help.