Afghan Refugee Resettlement Support Fund

Purpose: Support Wisconsin Conference congregations and partners engaged in Afghan refugee resettlement efforts.

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin Conference congregations

Focus Areas:

• Afghan refugee resettlement assistance
• Welcoming and integration support
• Co-sponsorship of refugee families
• Emergency support for newly arrived refugees

Key Details:

• Fund established to support "Welcoming our Afghan Allies" initiative
• Held and administered by the Wisconsin Conference Foundation
• Administered by Mary Kuenning Gross, Coordinator of the Afghan Allies Welcoming Initiative
• Northwest Association provided initial major gift of $4,000
• Open to donations from individuals, congregations, and organizations

Initial Service Needs Supported:

• Airport pickup and transportation
• Housing preparation and furnishing
• Food and meal provision
• Transportation to essential appointments (Social Security, schools, resettlement agencies)
• Public transit orientation
• English language classes
• Employment services

Support Available:

• Housing assistance (rental apartments, duplexes)
• Furnishing and supplies
• Food and hygiene products
• Case management coordination
• Co-sponsorship training and support

Contact Information:

• Mary Kuenning Gross (Coordinator)
• Wisconsin Conference UCC
• Address: 4459 Gray Road, DeForest, WI 53532

Participating Resettlement Agencies:

• Lutheran Social Services (Milwaukee)
• International Institute of Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay
• World Relief
• Jewish Social Services of Madison
• Ethiopian Community Development Council (Wausau)

How to Support and Get Involved

For Congregations Interested in Co-Sponsorship:

1. Contact Mary Kuenning Gross - First point of contact for Wisconsin UCC congregations
2. Contact Resettlement Agencies Directly for co-sponsorship inquiries:
   • Lutheran Social Services
   • International Institute of Wisconsin
   • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay
   • World Relief
   • Jewish Social Services of Madison
   • Ethiopian Community Development Council
3. Co-Sponsorship Activities Include:
   • Furnishing apartments
   • Regular check-ins on refugee family needs
   • Helping navigate unfamiliar culture
   • Securing sustainable employment
   • Providing financial assistance (full co-sponsorship)
   • Training provided by resettlement agencies

For Financial Donations:

1. Donate Online through Wisconsin Conference website
2. Mail Donations:
   • Make checks payable to: Wisconsin Conference UCC
   • Mail to: 4459 Gray Road, DeForest, WI 53532
   • Write "Afghan refugees" in memo line
3. In-Kind Donations accepted:
   • Housing units (clean, safe, furnished)
   • Food items (canned goods, milk, rice, staples)
   • Hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
   • Household items (pots, pans, dishes, utensils)
   • Cleaning supplies (dish soap, detergent, sponges)
   • Rental assistance funds