17: REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT
welcoming a new family
The Azziz family, who arrived in Chicago from Malaysia in April, are settling into their new home. The family of six, including four children ages 10–17, appreciate the support of NSCI volunteers who are helping them get acclimated by spending time with them, practicing English, visiting the beach, and playing soccer.
The name “17” reminds us that 17 years is the average time a refugee spends in a camp, in limbo, around the world. They have fled war, persecution, and terror and live in a state of uncertainty. Yes, 17 years.
Pictured right: one of the previous refugee families we served, along with volunteers
PURPOSE
Helping to successfully resettle refugee families by providing housing and supporting them as they assimilate and work with other Jewish organizations to envision a world where refugees and asylum seekers can live in safety and with dignity.
WHO WE SERVE
NSCI has a partnership with Refugee One to resettle families in need.
WHAT WE DO
Refugee One finds the apartment and NSCI volunteers clean, completely furnish and provide all the essentials from a stocked pantry to toiletries. NSCI provides funds to help the family by initially paying rent with the goal of sustained independence. NSCI volunteers greet our refugee families at the airport and take them to their new home, where a welcome meal is waiting for them. NSCI volunteers visit weekly to tutor children and to mentor/visit families to support them as they assimilate. Involvement can vary from a one-time purchase for the home to monthly visits
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
17: NSCI's Refugee Resettlement Project is getting closer to sponsoring another refugee family! In addition to financial sponsorship and six months of mentorship, we are collecting donations for household items to outfit the family's new home. Sign up here to donate household items! Sign up on the volunteer list to be notified when the next family is arriving.
DONATE
To donate to 17: NSCI's Refugee Resettlement Project, please make checks payable to “NSCI” and write “Refugee Resettlement Project” on the memo line. Please mail checks to NSCI, Attn: Rabbi Jacob Leizman, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, or click HERE to donate online.
OUR HISTORY
NSCI’s refugee resettlement efforts date back to the earliest period in NSCI’s history when the congregation welcomed our first assistant rabbi, Rabbi Arthur Bluhm and his family, who were rescued from the Nazis and brought here in 1938. Then later, in the 1970s, NSCI’s Board of Trustees revisited conversations about resettling international refugees. Detailed minutes exist in which our synagogue leadership strategized how best to welcome Vietnamese families who were fleeing oppressive legislation enforced by the Communist regime. On January 16, 1980, NSCI welcomed the Tran family, refugees from Vietnam. Our community fundraised, rented an apartment for them in nearby Highland Park, cooked meals and tutored them in English. One family loaned their station wagon and others helped the adults secure employment. Now, in our 101st year, NSCI remains committed to the important work of refugee resettlement, honoring the legacy of our founders and continuing to embody Judaism’s highest callings.
For more information from RefugeeOne, including valuable volunteer education, please click HERE.
Highland Park Family Pays it Forward
Click HERE to read an inspiring article by Ray Richmond, who was able to "pay it forward" and help NSCI's new refugee family.
Chicago Jewish Coalition for Refugees
NSCI is a member of The Chicago Jewish Coalition for Refugees.
