Update: Syrian Refugee Family: August 27, 2021
Five years ago, UCE sponsored a Syrian refugee family—the Haj Khalafs. We learned recently that Fatoum (the mother) will welcome her sister Ghufran Bakir, to the U.S. on September 2 along with her three children Ryaan, 13; Hatty, 12; and Talib, 8. Ghufran, was widowed in the war, and has spent the last eight years in a refugee camp in Turkey. They are delighted to be reunited.
A few members of the congregation and the Immigrant Solidarity Team would like to help the new family. Our goal is to raise $5000 (or more) that will help them pay their rent for 4 or more months. The settlement agency that works with them has a very limited budget for 2 months of rent. Ghufran will need to learn English and get a job so she can provide for her children. The young adult Haj Khalafs will try to help the family out, but their finances are quite limited. Any amount, large or small will help them
To donate to the refugee family
- Send a check made out to UCE to the church and write Refugee Family Fund in the memo line.
- You can also go to the Web site and choose GIVE in the top line (donate here). Follow the directions and put the amount in the Refugee Family Fund box.
After the family arrives, we’ll have a better idea of exactly what they’ll need outside of rent. The immediate need will be school clothes and supplies. They will no doubt need help learning English. We will keep you posted as to specific needs in the newsletter and on the UCE Facebook pages.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. May it bring joy to you. Reach out to one of us with any questions (our email addresses are in Realm).
By Jeanne Kerl and Jane Kenamore