Did you know that there are over 21 million refugees worldwide who face persecution in their own country? And that the U.S. considers 134,000 of these individuals annually for resettlement in the US?
CARA Waunakee supports the important refugee resettlement work of Jewish Social Services–Madison, the only refugee resettlement agency in Dane County. Refugees arrive through US government programs for displaced and at-risk people. Most refugees arrive from central Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, and eastern Europe. All refugees must complete a tedious, lengthy and stringent resettlement process.
The demand for the resettlement of families is far greater than the resources available, thus our mission is to help support this resettlement effort through a partnership with Peace Lutheran Church.
CARA Waunakee seeks to welcome one refugee family each quarter to the Madison area by setting up their home just prior to their arrival, paying some of their initial expenses, and organizing transportation to their myriad initial appointments.
Each family we help resettle costs us about $2,500 in expenses in addition to donations for home setup. Home set up includes furniture, linens, utensils and small appliances, and personal care items. We solicit new or used items in excellent condition.
How to get involved:
- DONATE:
- Gently used household items are collected and used for refugee home set up.
- Monetary donations are accepted through one-time or recurring gift options.
- VOLUNTEER:
- CARA Waunakee welcomes volunteers in all areas of our work.
- Volunteers attend training (in person or online), sign a confidentiality agreement and pass a background check.
Cash donations can be made to JSS-Madison, designated for CARA Waunakee, at 6434 Enterprise Lane, Madison WI 53719; info@jssmadison.org or online through the Peace Lutheran Church donation portal / Refugee Resettlement Campaign Initiative.
CARA Waunakee is nonsectarian and nonpartisan.
PLC is a partner of CARA Waunakee.
For answers, volunteer opportunities, or to donate goods, contact CARA.Waunakee@gmail.com. Or call / text Carol @ 608-228-2099. More information on our NEW WEBSITE…check it out!