Last January the U.S. State Department launched Welcome Corps, a new government program that allows everyday Americans to privately sponsor refugees from around the world.
Until this year, refugees being resettled in the United States received initial assistance and basic services through professional resettlement agencies. Here in Madison, Open Doors for Refugees works with these agencies to support refugees.
But now, under the Welcome Corps program, groups of at least five individuals can become a Private Sponsor Group and collectively support refugees’ resettlement and integration as they build new lives in the United States. These Private Sponsor Groups can provide services similar to those provided by resettlement agencies.
When refugees meet the eligibility and admissibility criteria to be approved for resettlement, they can be matched with an approved Sponsor Group through the Welcome Corps.
Sponsor Groups welcome refugee newcomers by securing and preparing initial housing, greeting refugee newcomers at the airport, enrolling children in school, and helping adults to find employment.
Alight has been designated by the government as a Private Sponsor Organization that can train and guide individuals interested in becoming sponsors. Alight has much experience working with volunteers and sponsor groups welcoming and supporting immigrant families and individuals.
As an approved Private Sponsor Organization, Alight provides guidance and answers to individual and group questions as they move through the sponsorship process. Alight provides dedicated guides to each group and helps provide information about community, city, county, state and federal resources available.
The Alight sponsor recruiting team is in Madison this week to provide information to those interested in connecting with new community members and helping them in their journey to become a part of our community.
General information about Alight is available at www.wearealight.org/sponsorship
Learn more and RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/cc/alight-in-wisconsin-2786579 or reach out to AidanJ@wearealight.org with questions or if you cannot make one of the in-person meetings.
Madison meetings are here:
November 6
5:30 pm @ UW Morgridge Center (Red Gym), Madison
November 7
10:30 am @ Cambridge Market Cafe, Cambridge
November 8
10:00 am @ DreamBank, Madison
5:30 pm: @ Goodman Community Center, Madison
November 9
10:00 am @ Grace Coffee Co, Middleton
1:30 pm @ Collectivo Coffee-On the Square, Madison
5:30 pm @ Delta Beer Lab, Madison
