Welcome.US

Happily living in a small Nicaraguan neighborhood, Janice Gallagher and her husband John-Marc raised their son Anthony alongside their close friends Betza and Yader and their daughter Sasha. When a contentious election sparked civilian-led protests and violence, the Gallaghers made the difficult decision to leave Nicaragua and relocate as American citizens to Bryson City, North Carolina. Not only did they leave the home they loved dearly, but also their friends. The Gallaghers grew close to Betza, Yader, and their daughter who lived across the street from them in Nicaragua. Betza did some housekeeping for the Gallaghers and their children grew up together. Concerned about their friends’ safety, the Gallaghers worked to get Betza and her family out of Nicaragua. When the family arrived in the United States, Janice said, “They immediately just fell into family, and it was like before we left.” Read the full story of how two families searching for safety were reunited through sponsorship: https://bit.ly/3MlwBOh

It’s back-to-school time! The start of a new school year is a busy time full of changes for parents, students, and teachers. For refugee students, added challenges of language and culture barriers and integration to a new community can make the process more daunting. You can share a message of welcome with newcomer students who have had to leave their home and friends behind. Send a brief message of encouragement and hope as they start an exciting new chapter in the United States → https://lnkd.in/eR2D__Pt

Getting a driver’s license can provide newcomers with a new sense of freedom—but the steps to get there can be challenging. We’ve compiled some tips you can use to guide newcomers through the process. To apply for a driver’s license, newcomers must visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and pass a written exam as well as a driving test. Interpretation may be an option for the written exam, and you can ask your local DMV office if they offer a driver’s manual in the native language of the newcomer. Many states require a social security number to apply for a driver’s license—refer to your local Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information. Having a driver’s license is a great step toward independence for newcomers. Here at Welcome.US, we support sponsors through every step of their sponsorship journey. Visit welcome.us/resources for more tips today.

The history of Ukraine is marked by the resilience and strength of its people, and today—on Ukrainian Independence Day—we honor and celebrate their courage.  “That’s all I’ve ever known about Ukrainian people—we do not give up, we will not give up, we will not surrender,” shared Marta Rubel, social outreach director for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. Ukrainians continue to persevere through difficult times as war in their home country persists. You can show your support by providing Ukrainians in need of refuge with a pathway to safety in the United States. Find out how at https://welcome.us/. Together, we can offer hope to Ukrainian families fleeing conflict.

Welcome.US CEO Nazanin Ash proudly joined Gap Inc. today as they rang the Opening Bell at the NYSE to mark their 55th anniversary, ringing in an exciting new future as a house of iconic American brands that shape culture. Gap Inc., a member of the Welcome.US CEO Council, has a legacy of leadership in bridging gaps—from equity, to climate, to opportunity, and inclusion, Gap Inc. believes that progress can be found in the gaps between us. And so does Welcome.US, as we work together to bridge the gaps for newcomers seeking safety in the United States. Congratulations to Gap Inc! We are thankful for your partnership. https://lnkd.in/e6xJz-u9

When Syrian refugees Zyad Al Mahameed, Souzan Al Jarad, and their children arrived in the United States, they were touched by the efforts their sponsors made to welcome them. “It was a very wonderful shock and surprise to see these wonderful people waiting for us… They brought us to a little apartment which was furnished which was waiting for us,” he said. “There was actually even dinner, a meal which was even warm when we arrived.” Something as simple as a warm meal can help newcomers find comfort and a sense of belonging in their new community. As members of The Welcoming Project sponsor group prepared to welcome Zyad’s family to Connecticut, they carefully considered the family’s cultural needs, such as prayer time, meals, and Ramadan—as he said, “making sure we got everything we needed and wanted to make us comfortable.”  You can prepare and enjoy a cultural meal with newcomers that helps them to feel welcome as they navigate their new community. Check out these recipes shared by newcomers and Welcomers to create meals that will help everyone feel at home → https://lnkd.in/eN5uWuct P.S. Have a special recipe you’d like to share? Post it to social media using #WaysWeWelcome.

Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for Americans to step up as sponsors. Sponsorship is one of the few safe pathways for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Ukrainians, and Venezuelans to find refuge in the United States. The Welcome Connect platform enables everyday Americans to provide a lifeline for those seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives in the United States. Individuals or groups in America who want to sponsor a newcomer can start their sponsorship journey by registering at any time on Welcome.US/welcome-connect.

Welcome Connect is a FREE platform; you should never pay for access or assistance. Do not pay money to anyone who claims they can help you find a sponsor or access Welcome Connect for a fee. We are, and will continue, investigating reports of fraud and suspicious activity to block these users from accessing the platform. Registration for Welcome Connect will be ongoing on a limited and scheduled basis to ensure successful connections between sponsors and beneficiaries. For more information and resources, visit Welcome.US.

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? Do you have questions about how to start this impactful journey? Join Welcome.US for our Live Information Session on Aug. 20. Meet with Welcome.US staff who can answer any questions you have about the sponsor journey. Learn about what it means to be a sponsor, who is seeking sponsorship, and how to embark on the process to sponsorship. You’ll get a live demo of our Welcome Connect platform and have time to ask questions to our Welcome.US team. Register today for our next session at 3 p.m. (EST), Tuesday, Aug. 20. https://lnkd.in/gS9yVmiX This session is for Americans who are interested in learning more about sponsoring an individual or family who they do not know.

On Aug. 15, 2021, the world watched as Kabul fell into Taliban control. Thousands of Afghans, who assisted U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan and its aftermath, faced an uncertain future. “One of the things that we promised them is that they would have an opportunity to come to the United States, and no one left behind,” said Mariah Smith, a veteran and board member of No One Left Behind. No One Left Behind, a Welcome.US partner, works to support Afghan families arriving in the U.S., providing safety and hope. In recognition of this significant date, you, too, can help Afghan families find safety. Start your sponsor journey → https://lnkd.in/gTD9x9Kp