UPDATE - JUNE 2022:
Since the middle of January, when our first adopted refugee family arrived from Afghanistan, we have added three more families, and recently a Guatemalan family.  With the aid of many drivers, we have managed to get them to their numerous appointments.  Because all have large families, there has been plenty of need for drivers.  They must wait six months before getting a driver’s license and then there is the task of finding a car.  Thanks to Ken Herzeg, we have an efficient sign up genius which lists all the driving needs for the week. 

They are in various stages of settling in this country.  Some speak English, most do not.  One has given birth to a new baby and another is expecting in September.  The children are all in ESL classes in the South Bend school system but many of the adults haven’t been able to go and need help.  Five or six of the adults have jobs already but learning English is a key for employment.  The men have become accustomed to using the bus system for shopping.  Culturally, they have different customs than what we are used to in the United States. 

Mostly, they are very generous and welcoming, often offering the drivers tea and cookies as they are dropped off.  For those working with them, it is a great experience to get to know families from a different culture and truly feels that we are doing God’s work.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Volunteer Opportunities
The greatest need at this time is for drivers and mentors.

Mentors help with learning English, and assisting them in this different culture, are still necessary.  

Drivers are still needed and this is a great way to get to know them.

As they progress with our language, finding jobs will be a priority so they can support themselves.