DCPC has a rich history of supporting refugees dating back over 40 years.  The goal of our refugee ministry is to provide the needed temporary support that will allow refugee families to successfully transition into society and be self supportive. 

 

Currently, we are actively supporting a family, who fled from Kabul, Afghanistan in August of 2021.  The family consists of the mother and 8 children.  Two of the daughters are married and living in Charlotte.  The remaining children are either attempting to enroll in a university, or attend North Mecklenburg High School or J.M. Alexander Middle School.  The church has assisted the family with obtaining housing in Huntersville.  In addition, church members have generously donated dry goods and furniture that has allowed the family to set up their new home.  Other church members have donated their time to ensure the school age children are obtaining the proper support from their schools, are tutoring the mother and married daughter in language skills, have involved the mother in a church sewing circle, and are working to improve the English language skills of all the family members.  The two post high school students have been able to obtain jobs and have been admitted to Central Piedmont Community College.

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Additionally, as of June 2022, we  gained access to temporary housing in Davidson through the generosity of a local family, and have settled a family of 3 in that housing.  The family consists of the mother, her adult son, and a 9 year old grandson (his parents are still in Abu Dhabi awaiting permission to enter th United States.)

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There are many ways in which congregation members can help to support new refugees.   When we receive a new family, we will likely need furniture, bedding, clothing, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and many other items.   With our current families, volunteers can help with English instruction, navigation of Immigration Law, navigation of social services, transportation, helping children to connect with community or school sports, hosting for events (invite the family to join you at a baseball game), a road trip to the mountains, share holiday traditions, anything that will make them begin to feel like a part of our community.  If you are interested in participating in the Refugee  Support Ministry at DCPC, please contact either Marty Metzker (martinmetzker@live.com) or Robert Alexander at (ralexander@dcpc.org). 

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CLICK HERE to read the 2022 end of year report of DCPC Refugee Support