Syracuse: A City of Refugees
Syracuse, located in Onondaga County, New York, is one of the cities most actively welcoming refugees, with about 10,000 refugees from diverse backgrounds such as Congo, Myanmar, and Lebanon living there.
Limited Government Assistance
Thanks to government and organizational support, refugees receive various forms of assistance, including cash, housing, and medical aid, for a period ranging from 3 months to a year. However, these resources are limited, both in scope and duration. Therefore, the primary challenge for refugee families is to find stable employment and integrate into the education system within the U.S.
Multiple Challenges Faced by Refugee Families
Many refugee families face significant difficulties due to language barriers, cultural differences, and technological gaps. To help them become self-sufficient, practical assistance is needed, along with support, encouragement, and inclusion to help them overcome these challenges.
Empowering Refugees Through Computer Classes
Korean Church of Syracuse, a partner of GFoundation, has been running computer classes for refugee children and their families for almost 20 years. These classes aim to help refugees find jobs and adjust to school. The computer classes serve as a platform to build relationships with the refugees, mentor them, and encourage them as they work through various issues.
Mentorship and Transportation Support
Each semester, about 20 students participate, and each refugee child is paired with a volunteer mentor who helps with class progress and monitors their individual needs. Since transportation is a challenge for many refugee families, volunteers also provide rides to and from the classes, ensuring participation.
Clothing Drive for Refugee Families
In addition to computer education, the church organizes a clothing drive each semester, distributing essential items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, and toys to the children and their families.
GF Provides Menstrual Pads and Personal Care Items to 20 Children and Families
To support these efforts, GFoundation provided personal care items, including lunchboxes, menstrual pads, and cosmetics, to about 85 children and their families involved in the computer classes.
Collaboration to Support Refugees
GFoundation continues to collaborate with local churches like Korean Church of Syracuse and other NGOs to meet the practical needs of refugees in the U.S., offering them encouragement and support.
How to Get Involved
Supporters can contribute to this cause by making financial donations or donating essential items. We appreciate your interest and involvement in supporting refugees.
