As the war rages on, Ukrainians urgently need to find safety.
“I make this appeal to journey together towards an ever wider “we” to all men and women, for the sake of renewing the human family, building together a future of justice and peace, and ensuring that no one is left behind.” -Pope Francis
Invite – Welcome – Accompany
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is participating in Welcome Circles for Ukrainians, a pilot program developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB) Migration & Refugee Services. Our Welcome Circle Coordinators assist & accompany volunteers from parishes, faith communities, schools, neighborhood groups, or organizations who are willing to provide financial support, guidance & community connections to help Ukrainian families resettle in Western Washington.
What are welcome circles?
A Welcome Circle is a caring group of 5-20 people who strategize support & accompany a family into housing, employment, benefits, healthcare, transportation, ESL classes & translation support, but mostly serve as friends & navigators on the journey into integration. Welcome Circles help families become financially stable once here, help fundraise if needed, & they assist families for a potential two-year stay, though most saturated in the first six months. For a more in-depth overview, Click here for the USCCB’s Ukraine Welcome Circle Toolkit.
Inquire about Welcome Circles!
We are hosting info sessions all around the Archdiocese and online over Zoom. Our Welcome Circle Coordinators are available to answer questions & to get you connected. For more information call 215-587-3595.
Every Tuesday @ 10am, join our mentorship team of Michele & John for a Welcome Circle Information Session online.
Sign up for an Info Session here: Meeting Registration – Zoom
How to help
We desire for every parish to be a refuge, a place where refugees can access support & accompaniment. With 15,000 Ukrainian refugees now in our neighborhoods since the war, we are ready to help you in welcoming them! Whether you already have your 5 in mind to start a Circle or if you are an individual wanting to support the effort with housing, employment, or resources you may already have, reach out to us and we will connect with you. Best of all, our staff will mentor you through the process & be available to you every step of the way!
Learn the steps of becoming a certified Welcome Circle here!
Archbishop Borys Gudziak on the war in Ukraine
Archbishop Borys Gudziak addresses Catholics in the United States on June 7, 2022 after 100 days of war in Ukraine, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Contact
Amy Stoner, LSW • astoner@chs-adphila.org
Beth Wood • bwood@chs-adphila.org
Kathleen Bevenour • kbevenour@chs-adphila.org