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Programs

The situation of refugees and immigrants locally and nationally has been in flux since the start of the current presidential administration. In this context, we are striving to provide the most useful help at a given time. We are adapting our support to IWR families as needed, in consultation with them. At the same time, we remain committed to the framework of partnership with our new community members provided by our three core programs.

 

Two people move a black couch into a home, while another person looks on

Welcome Home

Our Welcome Home program is designed to help new arrivals with the immediate needs of securing housing, setting up home and finding their feet in an unfamiliar place. This can include:

  • Identifying accommodations and providing financial housing aid
  • Collecting donations of furniture and other household goods from the community and purchasing new linens and an initial supply of groceries
  • Providing move-in support
  • Cultural orientation sessions

Response Projects

Response Projects are groups of 2-4 volunteers who respond to the individualized needs of our refugee partners, who identify and set their own resettlement goals. While one family may want support to connect their child to meaningful activities, another might need transportation, training, computer help, or help with finding consistent food support. Others might need help finding people in the community who speak their language. Some may identify all of the above as priorities.

Response Projects reduce isolation and create a core group of supporters to accompany an individual or family on their journey as a new member of the Ithaca community. Through Response Projects, we offer support in taking steps to help our new neighbors come to a point of self-sufficiency in a new place, and foster a caring, welcoming community that surrounds each family or individual.

Jan, an Afghan Refugee, and Glen Robertson, an IWR volunteer, smile in front of the United States and Afghanistan flags

Global Roots Play School

Global Roots Play School offers a supportive space for the whole family, where all generations can find community and connect with others. Children aged 18 months to 5 years enjoy play-based, trauma-informed care. Parents can stay close by, get to know other parents and staff, and use the time as they need.

The play school hours align with English language classes at Open Doors English nearby, making it easy for parents to enroll. For those finding their feet in a new country, knowing their children are in safe hands means having the breathing space to attend to the family’s needs and manage the challenges of getting settled.

In order to make Global Roots accessible to all new arrivals, we offer free or heavily subsidized care as needed. In 2024, 92% of children enrolled were recent arrivals and all received scholarships.

Learn more about the Play School and how it first began: Global Roots Play School: A Soft Place to Land

Visit the Play School website: http://globalrootsplayschool.org/

Inquiries

To inquire about receiving support through our programs, please write to us using our contact form.