On Sunday, May 15, 2022, the Urban Outreach Committee and the Global Missions Committee co-sponsored a Lunch and Learn with Jennifer Brown from the Refugee Resettlement Office (RRO) of the Episcopal Church of Olympia.
Since 1978, this organization has been ensuring a smooth transition for refugees and asylees in the greater Seattle area. While currently most of their clients come from Somalia, Ethiopia, Iraq and Afghanistan, clients come from anywhere in the world seeking guidance and assistance in building a new life in America and achieving economic self-sufficiency. The mission of RRO is accomplished through resettlement, job placement activities, and business development programs that promote self-employment. (Ukrainian refugees enter the US under a different Federal program.)
Initial resettlement services RRO provides include:
- Airport reception
- Cultural orientation
- Furnished apartment
- Food and clothing
- Medical screening
- School enrollment
- English classes (ESL)
- Employment search assistance
- Financial literacy skill classes
Volunteers are important to their services. Clients often need one-on-one assistance in order to develop their English skills, work on their resumes, and organize their small businesses. They are currently most in need of volunteers to help drive clients to appointments, sort and deliver donations, and help with finding permanent housing options.
If you have any questions or are interested in organizing an effort at First Church, please contact Jackie Celin or Sue Porter. You can also volunteer as an individual directly with RRO!
Click on the form link below to express your interest in joining or leading a First Church team, or to receive more info on volunteering directly as an individual.