What is a Co-Sponsor Team?
Co-Sponsor Teams are a unique model where a group of volunteers (typically from a house of worship) is paired with a newly arrived refugee family. This partnership helps to meet the social, emotional and material needs of newly arriving refugees. During the refugees first days and weeks in Arizona, Co-Sponsor Teams are friends who offer emotional support and encouragement during an often difficult transition.
Co-Sponsor Teams take on a variety of roles, which might include:
Setting up an apartment for an arriving refugee individual or family
Rental assistance
Collecting furnishing and household items
Collecting seasonal clothing and hygiene supplies
Purchasing groceries for initial arrival
Greeting refugees at the airport when they arrive
Preparing a welcome meal for refugees immediately upon arrival
Accompanying to medical appointments and advocating for healthcare needs
Helping with English skills
Financial education
Job development
Transportation assistance for situations where public transportation isn't available
Community Guide to help refugees become more acclimated with the community
Spending time together in the household, friendship and relationship building