Westchester Refugee Task Force meeting

When we signed the Call to Action, we promised to take action on behalf of Syrian refugees and, as a result of the huge response to the Call to Action, THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED!  As you have probably already read in our latest newsletter, at least 10 refugee families (50 people) will be coming to the Westchester/Rockland area and your help is needed in the resettlement process.  

 

The Westchester Refugee Task Force is taking the lead in working with the resettlement agencies and needs your support and help.  They are helping to organize a meeting atThe Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation (CUUC) of White Plains (468 Rosedale Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605) to explore the possibility of hosting a refugee family in our midst.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 28 from 7:00 To 8:30 PM.  For more details on the meeting see below. 

 

Meanwhile, The Westchester Refugee Task Force would like to be able to contact you directly.  Please respond to westchesterrefugeet[email protected] to participate or simply remain informed of the resettlement work which is about to begin!  They are building a list of faith based and community organizations that would like to participate.  If you are willing to share your contact information with them, please respond either to them or to this email. 

 

Thanks for your support and interest in this pressing issue,  

 

Call to Action Hudson Valley

 

 

 

 

The meeting will explore 

* what is involved in resettling a refugee family, 

* what levels of commitment groups can provide, and 

* how we can collaborate in welcoming and supporting a refugee family.

 

Representatives from Catholic Charities and from Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) will be on hand to briefly explain their plans for refugee resettlement in Westchester.  White Plains is being considered for one refugee family because of its diversity and its existing infrastructure of support services and transportation.

 

Presentations will also be made by two local organizations who have been advocating refugee resettlement in our area:

 

* The Westchester Refugee Task Force and 

* The Hudson Valley Call to Action

 

A representative of the American Muslim Women’s Association will give a brief introduction to their work in promoting interfaith cooperation.

 

The Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation is located at 468 Rosedale Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605.

 

 

If you are not able to attend, feel free to forward this message to an alternate in your organization, or contact the Westchester Refugee Task Force (atwestchesterrefugeetaskforce@gmail.com) if you have questions or would like to become involved in this effort. 

 

Additional materials about refugee resettlement will be sent to attendees prior to the meeting.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!