Being a good neighbor to a refugee family is a rewarding opportunity and one that more than 100 Alliance Church members have had in recent years. Relationships are built as team members walk alongside a new family who is resettling here, and bonds are formed as the team helps them navigate their new surroundings. Over a cup of tea, friendships are deepened, and as the team members help them assimilate into our culture, they also learn about the refugee family’s culture.

Often refugees have had a traumatic situation that has necessitated a need to flee their country and seek asylum in the United States. World Relief – Fox Valley is a recognized resettlement agency and does an outstanding job preparing refugees. They do everything from securing housing to assigning a case worker to train a Good Neighbor Team from local churches. Alliance Church has provided many of these teams in the last two years.

A typical team has eight to ten members who get assigned to one refugee family. Even before they meet their family, the team begins gathering needed household items and furniture. While a local furniture store generously supplies a new mattress for each family member, most other furniture is donated or purchased at resale shops. Household items are donated by church members through a sign-up genius list.

When the family arrives, one or two team members will meet them at the airport and assist them in getting to their new home. In the following weeks, team members take turns driving the family to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, etc. World Relief assists with things such as helping them secure employment, applying for needed documentation, and opening a bank account.

The friendships that develop last long after the six months that World Relief requires. Inviting a refugee family to Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a baby shower, taking them on outings, and inviting them to church events, such as Streets of Bethlehem, are a few ways team members continue the relationship. Team members have also enjoyed including their children and grandchildren in welcoming the refugee family, and as a result,  friendships between the children have blossomed.

Alliance Church recently learned that close to 175 refugees will be coming to our community by mid-January of 2025, so there is an immediate need for new Good Neighbor Teams. If you’re interested in being part of an Alliance Church Good Neighbor Team now or in the future or would like the link to donate items, email us at [email protected]. We will be happy to help you get plugged in!