Grace’s Refugee Ministry
Who is a refugee?
A person who is outside of their country and cannot return due to well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular group.
Grace’s Refugee Ministry team is working with RefugeeOne in Chicago to co-sponsor families who arrive in Chicago. RefugeeOne’s mission is to create opportunity for refugees to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance. Read more about how RefugeeOne supports families on the path to independence by clicking the link below.
Our responsibilities as Co-Sponsors include:
Raising financial support.
We raise $10,000 to cover expenses (rent, bills, and other needs) for 4-5 months as each family works toward self-reliance. You can make the biggest and most immediate impact toward our Refugee Ministry with a monetary donation to Grace “Refugee Outreach Ministry” using the “donate” tab on the Grace homepage.
Making a home.
Grace members have worked with Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church and Pilgrim Congregational Church to accomplish this task. We collect household goods, kitchen items, furniture, cleaning supplies, etc. and stock the pantry.
Being a friend.
Members of Refugee Ministry Teams stay in weekly contact with each family during their first six months in Chicago, helping them with transportation, connecting with internet & Wi-Fi and other necessities of life in America. They share updates on the family with the Grace Church community.
If you would like to join the next Refugee Team or participate in collecting household items, please contact Linda Street at kentuckystreets53@gmail.com.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:35 that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Him. That is a powerful call to action as Together in Christ, we love, grow and serve!