Having trouble viewing this email? Right click the top of this email and select "download pictures" or "add to safe senders list" to view JFS images & content.  
THANK YOU!

JFS Delaware and our RISE (Refugee Integration Support Effort) team are immensely grateful to everyone in our community who has continued to help us open doors, hearts, and minds in Delaware. With crises escalating abroad and needs expanding in our own community, our work in refugee resettlement, community building, and family healing has never been so vital.

Your support and advocacy mean a lot to us and we are grateful for the generosity we have received so far—whether you have volunteered time, made a donation, spread awareness, or shared connections, you are making a difference for those seeking a safe home in Delaware.

We could not do this important work without you.
Thank you for helping refugees thrive in our great state.
INCOMING ARRIVALS & CASE UPDATES:

Family of 5 from Sudan (previously listed as Jordan)
  • Expected Arrival: Monday, September 20th
  • Children: One son (age 13) and two daughters (ages 10 & 7)
  • Language: Arabic and Fur, NO English
  • Housing needed!
  • Skills/Employment: Father was previously employed as a laborer and a cleaner
Family of 4 from Sudan
  • Expected Arrival: Tuesday, September 28th
  • Children: One son (age 10) and one daughter (age 8)
  • Language: Arabic and Fur, limited English
  • Housing Needed!
  • Skills/Employment: Father was previously employed as a laborer and cleaner
Family of 3 from Rwanda
  • Arrived August 18th
  • Married couple & older mother
  • Language: French & English
  • Update since arrival: the family has moved into an apartment in New Castle and is settling in well thanks to the support being provided by RISE Case Managers and dedicated volunteers. They especially enjoy visiting the Y, where they were gifted a 6-month membership.

All families listed above as well as those coming to Delaware in the future will need access to technology such as unlocked phones, wifi or hotspots, laptops or tablets, etc. This is often one of their first requests and helps them stay connected with their JFS Case manager, get in touch with family around the world, and search on their own for employment and other resources.

Note: If you are donating a large item (e.g. furniture), you may be asked to hold or store this item until JFS secures housing or storage to which you can deliver it directly. If you have a truck, SUV, or minivan and would like to help transport large items for apartment move-in, contact [email protected]. Smaller items may be delivered to JFS' Wilmington office at 99 Passmore Rd on one of the dates listed in the corresponding spreadsheet.

These lists will be continuously updated as we learn more about each family's needs. The links will remain the same and can be found at www.jfsdelaware.org/refugees. Please feel free to share these with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Questions about resettlement donations can be directed to our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Griffith, at [email protected]
AFGHAN UPDATES:
JFS is still working closely with state officials, national partners, and local organizations to ensure we are prepared and equipped to receive Afghan families once they are assigned to us. As previously stated, the 30 Afghans expecting to come to Delaware are an addition to the 50 refugees JFS was already planning to receive throughout the year from other countries.

We are very pleased to share that JFS has been assigned our first Afghan case, which includes a single mother and her three sons (ages 16, 13, & 8). They speak Dari, with little to no English. We are immeasurably grateful for the interfaith collaboration of Congregation Beth Shalom, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Tarbiyah School, and the Islamic Society of Delaware for wrapping their arms around this family when they arrive (date TBD)—all of their needs, including housing, food, clothing, healthcare connections, and other supports will be provided in full until they are settled, well-oriented, and self-sufficient.

Additional updates regarding welcoming and supporting Afghan Refugees will be posted and can be found HERE.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:

  • VOLUNTEER: Learn about volunteer opportunities at jfsdelaware.org/volunteer. You must complete an application, submit a background check, and participate in a training curriculum before you are able to volunteer directly with clients. If you have any questions, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Griffith, at [email protected]
  • CONNECT: Partnerships with landlords, employers, and other professionals open to supporting refugees are consistently needed and always appreciated. If you or someone you know would like to partner with JFS RISE, please contact Director of Family Support Services, Cyndi Germack, at [email protected]
  • FOLLOW & SHARE: Follow JFS Delaware on social media and help advocate for our refugee resettlement efforts through your personal networks by sharing our posts and resources.
  • ADVOCATE: Share stories and resources with your family, friends, and colleagues. Contact your legislators to ask for their support of refugee programs.
  • DONATE: Any amount can make a big difference for refugee and immigrant clients we serve. Make a donation at jfsdelaware.org/donate (there is a field in which you can designate your gift to RISE).
FOLLOW US on social media!
Keep up with what's new at JFS Delaware!
Comment, Like, and SHARE!
"Welcoming these families is in the best traditions of our country, and we are grateful to see the outpouring of support from people across this country who are ready to help resettle vulnerable Afghans and welcome them to their new homes.”

Governor Jack Markell
Coordinator of 'Operation Allies Welcome'
Refugee Updates, Resources, & Recommendations:
Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is a nonprofit human services agency with a mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services. With an interdisciplinary and innovative approach, we combine talent, expertise, and leadership to make our robust therapeutic and support services available to everyone, regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or special need.
99 Passmore Road
Wilmington, DE 19803

20684 John J Williams Hwy, Suite 4
Lewes, DE 19958

(302) 478-9411