World Refugee Month
World Refugee Month
Power in proximity
Navigating life in a new country isn’t easy. Refugees are incredibly brave, but they also need a circle of support, social connection, and communities with big hearts. When we get close to refugees, we learn about their experiences, culture, and dreams. We see them and they see us.
Proximity is powerful and it makes things personal.
Get involved
Co-sponsor a refugee family
This often involves welcoming refugees upon arrival, helping set up their home, transportation to appointments, engaging in cultural orientation, and practicing English. Overall, a co-sponsor is a welcoming neighbor, friend, and community guide. Bethany offers co-sponsorship opportunities across the country.
Provide a foster home
Refugees face a difficult journey when they resettle in a new country. The journey is even harder for refugee children separated from their families. By becoming a foster parent, you can help an unaccompanied child feel safe, loved, and connected as they navigate life in a new place.
Give
Your support will help refugees as they start their new lives. This might mean donating furniture, common household items, grocery store gift cards, or a simple financial donation.
Prayer
Pray refugees are protected, comforted, and supported while navigating the road to resettlement and growth in their new communities.
Volunteer
Join us in the work of welcome! Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of refugees by greeting them at the airport, serving as a community guide, and assisting with move-in help or meal prep. From teaching English to providing transportation, there are many opportunities to get involved at Bethany.
Refugees are a blessing - Pastor Sepa's Story
Refugees add value to their communities
Refugees living in the U.S. make tremendous contributions to the economy. With their high employment rate and entrepreneurial spirit, refugees sustain and strengthen their new communities.
185,000+
Number of refugee entrepreneurs in the U.S.
$5 billion
Total business income of refugee entrepreneurs
$26.1 billion
Total taxes paid by refugees
(Source: American Immigration Council, 2019)
3 benefits to hiring refugees
Refugees represent an untapped talent pool employers should consider. Discover three reasons to hire refugees: experience, loyalty, and securely vetted.
Top industries that employ refugees:
- Manufacturing
- Health care
- Retail
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Education
Source: U.S. State Department