Put “Interfaith-RISE” in the memo. Interfaith-RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Services & Empowerment) is a local response to the growing global refugee crisis. The interfaith coalition of more than two dozen congregations is committed to helping refugees resettle in central New Jersey. The coalition calls on all communities throughout the United States to welcome refugee families from around the globe. Who We Are
Interfaith-RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Services & Empowerment) is a multi-faith, multi-congregational, multi-racial organization committed to welcoming the stranger in central New Jersey. How We Started
In response to the global refugee crisis, a small group of concerned people from central NJ, representing congregations of many faiths, created a refugee resettlement organization in the fall of 2015. From the beginning, we decided to make this an intentionally interfaith effort. Our kick-off walk-a-thon, held in early November, raised enough money to get us started. In our initial months, we set up several apartments for recent refugees and provided moving assistance. In February we received our first family (a Congolese family of six), and then our second (an Afghani family of two). We also welcomed a number of asylees: three from Syria, two from Nigeria, one from Pakistan, one from Ghana, and one from Cameroon. Since the beginning of 2016, we have solidified our resettlement effort into the program Interfaith-RISE. This fall the State Department designated us an officially approved resettlement site. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants will send vetted refugees and immigrants to Interfaith-RISE. We have agreed to take 50 refugees (probably 13-14 families) in the next year, resettling them into NJ. What We Do
Interfaith-RISE provides essential assistance to refugees and asylees who have experienced severe crises before arriving in our community. Most of our clients arrive with little with which to start a new life. Many have spent years spent in refugee camps or war-torn countries. Interfaith-RISE accompanies clients on their resettlement journey. We coordinate housing, furnish homes, and supply culturally appropriate food. We also provide case management and connect families with social services, ESL, and employment training. Our organization utilizes the resources of non-profits and community volunteers to assist with the many challenges of making a home in a new country. How to Get Involved
We have learned that refugee families have needs that extend far beyond the services that government-funded resettlement efforts provide. The work of Interfaith-RISE can only be done with the help of our community! There are several ways you can be involved:
- Make an online donation
- Donate home goods
- Sign up to be on our list of drivers or movers
- Hire a refugee
For more information, please email: [email protected]
