Who we are: We are a Stamford-based interfaith group of enthusiastic volunteers representing multiple faiths and additional organizations, who have come together to provide support for refugee families resettling in Stamford and help them to achieve self-sufficiency. We provide support as either a “community co-sponsor” (for refugees) or a “sponsor circle” (for humanitarian parolees), depending on the program under which the family came to the U.S.
With each family we welcome we need help in many areas:
- Helping find a 3 bedroom apartment, preferably in downtown Stamford (which is close to doctors, Children’s Learning Center and many jobs) or Glenbrook or the Cove.
- Furnishing and setup up the apartment before the family arrives.
- Providing ESL tutoring & reading and teaching practical English (calendar, etc.) and job-specific English
- Assisting in job search. Having many volunteers networking can be a great help in finding jobs in 2023 and beyond. The Ukraine father currently seeks more work in construction.
- Explaining budget and budgeting to the families.
- Identifying interpreters (in family’s language, which could be Arabic, Dinka, Kurdish / Kurmanji, Pashto, Somali or Swahili) for meetings and appointments. If you speak these languages, please use the “Contact” page to let us know.
- Accompanying (as a member of the health team) family members to medical and dental appointments
- Providing rides — if walking or taking the bus is not practical — to childcare, summer camps, appointments and occasional shopping, etc.
It’s a broad scope, but no one person does it all! Each volunteer decides where and when to help based on interests, time, health and family responsibilities.
“It is so rewarding to help refugee families gain confidence in their new home.”
A SIRS volunteer
Where can you help:
“80 years ago, this was my mother’s family. I’m so happy to be able to help in some way.”
A supporter of SIRS
- Contact us to join a volunteer team.
- Donate furniture, furnishings and household goods.
- Donate money.
