Refugee Resettlement Program - Welcome to Temple Beth Ami

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Refugee Resettlement Program

“You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 10:19

TBA’s Refugee Resettlement Program currently assists two refugee families from Syria. Since we began in 2016, we have assisted six families from a variety of countries. Our former families have become self-sufficient for the most part. They have purchased homes, received their Green Cards, held jobs, learned English, supported their children in school, and are well on their way to making successful lives in the United States.

When we help a new refugee family, our assistance includes but is not limited to:

Being a cultural friend—one who will explain American culture, customs, and
holidays and spend time with the family so they feel more connected and not so
alone.
Tutoring family members to improve their English language skills and helping
them access other tutoring services.
Arranging medical and dental care.
Delivering food and other items they need for their home.
Helping the children with their schoolwork and serving as a liaison with their
schools.
Exploring opportunities for employment, including resume and interview
assistance.
Helping families access and continue needed benefits such as SNAP (food
assistance), WIC, Medicaid, and free school lunches.

TBA Contacts: Susan Fox or Emil Mendelavich

Click on the links below to learn more about the many ways you can help support the Refugee Resettlement Program. Each tab includes a contact name(s) and email for more information or to volunteer.

New Neighbors Interfaith Alliance

We are a member of the New Neighbors Interfaith Alliance (NNIA), begun in 2020 to bring together a variety of faith groups that are working in the refugee resettlement sphere. The group shares information, resources, and ideas so that our volunteers are not “re-inventing the wheel” and seeking the same information each time we help a new family. TBA’s Refugee Resettlement Program worked with several NNIA members as we helped our families in the past, and we continue to share information and ideas with this valuable group.

TBA Contacts: Sherry Nason or Brad Harvey
Public Benefits and Employment

Volunteers with knowledge and experience in public benefits—or a willingness to learn—are needed to help families access and continue the benefits they are allowed. These include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and the free school lunch program. Knowledge in the areas of budgeting, home finances, and tax law also is needed.

TBA Contacts: Susan Fox or Emil Mendelavich

Getting the head-of-household an appropriate job is one of the first things we help a new family with. Identifying employment opportunities, resume assistance, and interview preparation are additional needed volunteer skills.

TBA Contact: Harry Hertz

We are currently assisting dozens of Afghan “Allies” Refugees in the VA, MD, and DC areas with volunteer Job Assistance. (“Afghan Allies Refugees” refers to the refugees evacuated by the U.S. this past summer who worked for the U.S. Military, other U.S. Government Agencies, or the U.S. supported Afghan government.) Are you, or someone you know, looking to hire highly qualified, degreed, and dedicated professionals in areas such as Information Technology, Finance, Internal Auditing, Supply Chain, Project Management, Inventory Control, Video Production, and Health Care?

TBA Contact: Ron Lobel
Transportation

We maintain a list of volunteers who are available to assist with transportation needs for the families we work with. These needs primarily occur during weekdays and involve taking family members to and from doctor’s appointments or helping them run errands. Often, the families do not have a car and it may take months for them to obtain one. Assistance also is needed in locating used cars available for donation and in helping the adults obtain a driver’s license.

TBA Contact: Brad Harvey
Tutoring

Helping family members learn English or find resources to take free English classes is one of the most important things we can assist with. Tutoring children in their school subjects also may be needed. Tutoring can take place in the family’s home or via Zoom. We have resources for free English classes that the volunteers can learn about.

TBA Contact: Susan Fox
Medical Needs

We need the assistance of physicians, dentists, mental health professionals, and nurses to consult on medical issues and/or to provide free services. Several TBA congregants have provided these services in the past to the families we’ve assisted and we are exceedingly grateful to them. Please contact us if you’re interested in volunteering in this area.

TBA Contacts: Susan Fox or Emil Mendelavich
Other Ways to Help

Gift cards. We give Target, CVS, and Walmart gift cards to the families we assist when they are in need. Please send donations of gift cards to Debbie Ezrin in the Temple office and let her know that they are intended for distribution by the Refugee Resettlement Program. When donating a gift card for a refugee family, please also email Amy Weinberg to let her know that you have made this donation to the Refugee Resettlement Program.

Laptop computers. We collect laptop computers for these families and always are in need of computer donations. All computers will be wiped clean before being given to a family. Please contact Rich Luxenberg if you are able to donate a laptop.

Financial contributions. To make a contribution to TBA’s Refugee Resettlement Program, click here. In the drop-down menu, please choose “Tikkun Olam General Fund.” Then, email one of TBA’s Refugee Resettlement Program co-chairs, Emil Mendelavich or Susan Fox, as well as Amy Weinberg, and tell them the value and purpose of your donation so it can be spent according to your wishes.