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The goal of the Saint Pius X Refugee Resettlement Ministry is to support the efforts of Catholic Charities in providing assistance for arriving refugee families in our community.
Refugees go through a thorough rigorous vetting process with several federal government agencies before arriving in our area.
Since October 2023, more than 60 people have been resettled in our community. That number may surpass 80 by October 2024.
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Donations
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The following items are needed for the family's arrival. As an alternative, the ministry can use gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, Aldi and other retailers to purchase furniture and supplies for refugee families. You can also designate monetary donations to Saint Pius X Catholic Church for use by the Refugee Resettlement Ministry. Drop off gift cards, checks or cash in the Parish Office.
Small items can be dropped off in the Refugee Resettlement bins near the office at Saint Pius or arrangements can be made in advance to drop off larger items at an offsite storage facility. Email [email protected] or call the Parish Office at (574) 272-8462.
Catholic Charities also has an Amazon wish list for its work with refugees.
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Home Furnishings
- Mattress(es) in a box–sizes twin and queen
- Bed platform–sizes twin and queen
- In each bedroom: set of drawers, shelves, etc. for clothing storage
- Kitchen table
- Kitchen chairs
- Couch or equivalent seating
- Lamps
- Side tables for living room
- Bedside tables/stands
- Smart TVs
- Cell phones
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Kitchen Items
- One place setting of tableware (fork, knife, spoon) per person
- One place setting of dishes (plate, bowl and cup) per person
- Pots & pans; at least 1 saucepan, 1 frying pan, 1 baking dish, cookie sheets
- Mixing/serving bowls, rolling pin
- One set of kitchen utensils (such as a spatula, wooden spoon, knife, serving utensils, etc.)
- Manual can opener
- Cutting board
- Baby items as needed, including car seats
- Kitchen and bathroom trash cans
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Linens and Other Household Items
- Towels
- Sheets, blankets and comforters; twin and queen (twin-size sheets and comforters are especially needed)
- Shower curtain, liner and rings
- New pillows and pillow cases
- Bath mat
- Alarm clock
- Paper, pens and/or pencils
- Light bulbs
- Flashlight and batteries
- Adult bicycles
- Used sewing machines
- Picture dictionary
- First aid kit
- Plastic hangars
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Cleaning Supplies
- Dish soap
- Bathroom/kitchen cleanser
- Sponges, cleaning rags, paper towels
- Laundry detergent
- Two waste baskets
- Mop, bucket, broom, dustpan
- Vacuum cleaners
- Trash bags
- Light bulbs
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Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Body soap or body wash
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Personal hygiene items (May include, but not limited to, deodorant, nail clippers, shaving supplies, combs/brushes and feminine hygiene products.)
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Volunteer Information
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The Saint Pius Refugee Resettlement Ministry and Catholic Charities offer volunteer opportunities to work with relocated families.
All prospective volunteers must fill out an application form with Catholic Charities for a required background check. Anyone working directly with families is also required to complete the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Safe Environment training. Please contact Julianne Dougall in the parish office at [email protected] to set up the online training.
When volunteering, please keep track of your volunteer hours and mileage for Catholic Charities.
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Contact Us
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Refugee Resettlement Ministryrefugeeresettlementstpius.net
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