Newark volunteers help to resettle Bantu families

Newark is expecting the first of two Somali-Bantu families to arrive in early fall. The US Government has granted asylum to over 200 such refugees. After one year in the US, they can adjust from refugee status to permanent resident status. After five years, they are eligible for US citizenship.

Members of the Interfaith Resettlement Committee of Newark (NIRC) under the umbrella of the Catholic Family Center of Rochester (Refugee & Immigration Services) have rented a house for the first Bantu family to live in. On August 14 many kind volunteers met to move furniture into the house donated by people of Newark. The rooms are quite complete. The only things still needed are a TV, radio and stereo, which would be good English learning tools.

Since the families will need financial support for the first four months after their arrival until they begin to work, monetary donations are needed. Contributions can be sent by check to St. Mark's Church for the purpose of NIRC or given to any committee member. A tax deductible receipt will be returned to you.

Donations may also be brought to the St. Mark's office from 9 to 4, Monday through Friday.

Also needed are more people who are willing to spend time with the family members helping them cope with life in our country. Especially needed at this point is someone to help with finances as well as someone to set up a website where volunteers can communicate and become aware of the family's needs.

If you can help - please contact Nadine Brill at 331.0485 (home) or 331.3783(work) or Anne Rogers at 331.7808 after 4 p.m.

People serving on the NIRC committee are Karen Bedette, Mary DeVey, Debbie Gaston, Duane Kline, Al & Sue Lipke, Gary Smith, Linda Werts, Inez Brumm and Ginny Mozzarella. Please contact any one of us for more information.

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