Co-Sponsorship of a Refugee Family with IRIS

Co-sponsorship is a shared commitment between IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services* – and the sponsoring group to assist a refugee family to successfully resettle in our community and to become self-sufficient as soon as possible.

GETTING STARTED

Organize a core committee and designate a contact person as a representative to IRIS.

SAFE HOUSING --

  • ό Secure adequate apartment or house rental: Safe – Clean – Appropriate Size – Location
  • Utilities hookups – gas, water, electricity, telephone, etc.
  • Furniture and household goods (cooking utensils, dishware, hangers…) Michael Adamczyk
  • "Ready" the home for arrival day.

WELCOME

  • Meet family at the airport or limo: Sandy Reidy
  • Prepare culturally appropriate hot meal
  • Assure appropriate clothing for weather

TRANSPORTATION

  • Airport to new home Sandy Reidy
  • Drive to appointments: Medical; Social Services; Social Security; IRIS Office; DMV
  • Employment interviews
  • Locate public transportation options

HEALTH CARE Jim Morgan

  • Identify physician and dentist willing to donate or significantly discount medical services
  • Health assessment within 30 days required fro each refugee

EDUCATIONAL and CULTURAL ORIENTATION Education: Garret Stack

  • Register children in school
  • English For Speakers of Other Languages
  • Learning the basics: clothes laundering; grocery shopping; clothing; banking
  • Culture coaching: Helper – Friend – Advocate

EMPLOYMENT: Kit Engstrom

  • Help adults find jobs as soon as possible
  • Assist with job application and interview process

FINANCE

  • Oversee resettlement fundraising and disbursements
  • Register with Social Services for food stamps; identify local food pantry: Mary Lea Blake
  • Coach family on budget, managing resources, building credit history

CONTACT PERSON

  • Signs the Co-Sponsorship Agreement and serves as principal IRIS contact: Garret Stack

[* 235 Nicoll Street, 2nd floor, New Haven, CT  06511www.irisct.org]