Thank you for your care for our refugee neighbors! Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, we recognize that volunteering may continue to look different. The safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff is a high priority.

This is a fast-evolving situation, so please keep current of new developments and consider how they may affect your volunteering. Ensure you are familiar with the latest guidance from the CDC and from Gov. Walz for Minnesota, and encourage your refugee-background friends to do the same.

As volunteers there are still ways that you can offer welcome and comfort during this time. We developed this page to provide you with suggestions, activities, and educational opportunities that you can do from the safety of your home during this uncertain time.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support welcoming new neighbors to our community!

 

Stay connected with your family

  • Text, call, or video call (FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp) regularly

  • How are they doing? Can you answer any of their questions?

  • Are there activities you can do together over video?

    • Play games
    • Practice math & spelling flashcards
    • Learn phrases in their language and teach them more words in English
    • Do virtual cooking classes, trading off on who is the teacher and who is the student (this is a good way to practice vocabulary)
    • Have a virtual dinner party: Sit down for a meal with each other by video

  • Drop off groceries, games, or handwritten cards

  • Tips for communicating remotely with limited-English speakers

  • Stay-Safe-MN recommendations for reengaging

 

“Yesterday God put it on my heart to drop off toilet paper for my Afghan friends. When I dropped it off, the mom had said that they had been unable to find any for their family of eight! While we should not be tutoring at this time, I think we can still serve these beautiful families. We can drop off cards, flowers, books for their kids! We can call and text! Maybe some fresh produce left at their front door? We can let them know that we are praying for them.” – An AWELL volunteer

 

Resources for COVID-19

(Note: this “Somali” video is actually “Af Maay” another language in Somalia, click here for the video in Somali)

 

Get training, continue learning 

Connecting to Refugee Neighbors Amidst COVID-19. During these challenging times we know God’s command to welcome our refugee and immigrant neighbors hasn’t changed, but what does this look like practically? Join us online for an hour-long live webinar series, as we seek to learn together how to continue to foster relationships creatively.

 

Let us know how we can help or serve you 

As we navigate the uncharted territory of responding to COVID-19, Arrive Ministries continues to prioritize the well-being of our clients and volunteers.

We are taking advisement regarding our response to COVID-19 from our affiliate World Relief, along with Minnesota Department of Health, World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We want to support you! Please reach out with any questions or ways we can serve you during this time: office@arriveministries.org