Helping Families Settle (HFS), the Branford refugee resettlement project, is collaborating with Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services (IRIS) to bring a refugee family to our community. To help with the effort, the Branford Microfund partnered with HFS to establish temporary fiduciary support.
“We are so grateful to the Branford Microfund,” said Laura Noe, HFS Leader and Coordinator. “We could not have taken on this project without their support.”
By working with the Branford Microfund and Crosspoint Federal Credit Union, HFS was able to focus on the details of settling a refugee family as outlined by IRIS. Now, with more than 50 volunteers on 17 committees, HFS has met its financial goal and is seeking physical donations, including clothing and home furnishings.
“The Branford Microfund is happy to help HFS gain maximum benefit from the funds so generously donated by the community,” said Mina West, President of Branford Microfund.
“Refugee families arrive with nothing,” explained Noe. “IRIS provides the scaffolding and guidance, and we in the community manage the details of resettlement. This includes housing, employment, healthcare, and connecting the family to English classes and ESOL services. The community response to date has been wonderful and we are close to being ready to receive a family. Working alongside the Microfund is a great example of community collaboration. We are stronger together.”
Your tax-deductible donation can be made by check to Helping Families Settle, include Branford Refugee Resettlement in the memo line. Please send to: Laura Noe, 38 Waverly Park Road, Branford CT 06405. If you have clothing or home furnishings to donate, please call or email Laura at (203) 500-9495 or noemarketing@yahoo.com.
Donations to the Branford Microfund, which provides interest-free loans to Branford families in need, may be made using the Donate Now button on the home page at www.branfordmicrfund.org.
For more information, visit www.branfordmicrofund.org, or email info@branfordmicrofund.org.
Pictured are Mina West, President of Branford Microfund and BMF Volunteer Bob Imperato; Laura Noe, HFS Leader and Coordinator, and Michelle Hoffman, Branford Branch Manager of Crosspoint Federal Credit Union.
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