LSS-SW Refugee Co-Sponsor Teams

Houses of worship, community groups, and families can welcome refugees to Arizona through a unique model known as Co-Sponsorship. This program allows volunteers to become “first American friends” and cultural navigators to newly arrived refugees.

Co-Sponsor Teams can help families by supporting them as they learn English, help them get around the city for appointments, visit the library or grocery store together, or simply spend time at home sharing in a meal or conversation. Help refugees adjust to living in America by sharing your knowledge and experience.

It is a joy and a privilege to reach out and support our newest neighbors, and we hope you will join us as partners in action. Welcome a family and embark on a fulfilling journey together.

We ask for a commitment of 6 months, with weekly visits. Your team members can alternate so different people in the group are completing the weekly visit. During the first match meeting, our team members will meet you at the family’s home and together with the family, help determine the goals and activities they would most like support with.

We provide training to your group and will serve as a resource to you during the match. Each team will need to have designated volunteer(s) with a fingerprint card during any visits where clients are present. We are happy to come out to your site to teach the training and we can also offer it virtually.