Dyslexic
Translate »

JV EnCorps Members Among Group to Sponsor Afghan Family for Resettlement

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." 

This quote from Margaret Mead is indeed aspirational, but not for St. Leo Parish. When parishioner Colleen Mulligan suggested that St. Leo Parish in Tacoma, WA consider sponsoring an Afghan family for resettlement, five JV EnCorps members were among the first to respond. With parish permission, we asked Lutheran Community Services to partner with us. In agreeing, their Executive Director noted that: “St. Leo Parish has a rich history of reaching out to and supporting marginalized communities, and they are not newcomers to the complex circumstances around immigration.”   

The Tacoma JV EnCorps community connecting over Zoom.

So, what will it take? In a word, everything. Imagine what it would be like: you’ve arrived with your family at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, exhausted from the long flight, and have only your clothes. 

“What about food, housing, and appropriate warm clothing? What about medical and dental, especially for the children? Will our culture be respectedwill we need counselling to help us fit in? What about ESL classes? Can I get job training? How do I find school(s) for the children? How will they navigate US schools? What special tutoring might they need?  How do we navigate public transportation? How do we find a welcoming faith community? How will I/we ever find employment?”

To help answer these and any other questions, our initial “small group” now has 58 volunteers who have committed to providing full support to this family for one year. And it is our hope that, by the end of a year, this family feels like extended members of our families, and that we will continue to be important in each other’s lives.  

We don’t yet have details on the family we will sponsor, so please stay tuned for variety ways to support and get involved as the year progresses. 

Story contributed by Tacoma JVE Keith Kragelund.

Without gifts both big and small, the critical services that JV EnCorps members and Jesuit Volunteers provide to immigrants, youth, those experiencing homelessness, and others, would not be possible. 

Consider supporting this mission by making a gift for our 2021 GivingTuesday campaign today.

Learn more about the JV EnCorps program.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Translate »

Upcoming Virtual Events

"JVC Northwest 101: Service and Community"

Thursday, April 7 | 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT
Learn about all that makes a year of service with JVC Northwest unique. We’ll talk about the opportunities available, what intentional community looks like, and dive into our values of social and ecological justice, simple living, and spirituality/reflection. There will also be plenty of time for Q+A. Register here. 

"How to Make Your Application Stand Out"

Wednesday, April 20 | 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT
Learn how you can position yourself to be a strong candidate for service with JVC Northwest. With one week left before the April 26 priority deadline, this will also be the perfect time to get a handle on each step of the application, interview, matching, and placement process. Register here. 

Where Are the JVC Northwest Recruiters Going Next?

Check out our upcoming recruitment events below. Don’t see your school or town on the list? Reach out to us at recruiter@jvcnorthwest.org to let us know you’d like us to pay your town a visit! 

10/13/2022 
Notre Dame | Info Session: Discerning Post Graduate Service | 6:30 PM | COffee House in Geddes Hall

10/17/2022
Marquette | Info session (1-2) office hours (2-4) | Career Services Center – Seminar Room