Friend a Family, a program of Christian Friends of New Americans, works with local congregations and groups of volunteers through a partnership with the International Institute of St. Louis to form Support Groups who are paired with a new refugee family. Support Groups help families settle into their new homes, learn their neighborhood, understand bills and budget, practice English, and experience the love of Christ through family partnership.
Due to the overwhelming generosity of Lutheran churches and the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, there is no financial commitment; however, Support Groups are expected to interact with families at least weekly and serve for at least 3 months.
If you want to help with refugee relief efforts but aren’t ready for a 3-6 month commitment, CFNA is working with local volunteers to assist refugee families with transportation assistance through our Transportation Companions Program!
How It Works
Click a program below to learn more.
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Support Groups
CFNA connects 4–8 individuals from churches to form support group. Together, they work as a team to serve, witness to, and develop friendships with their New American neighbor!
Family Sponsorship
We partner support groups with newly arrived refugee families from all over the world. Most of our clients come from Muslim countries, specifically Afghanistan & Syria. Activities may include help with transportation, learning English, teaching life skills, and sharing culture.
Dedicated Service
Support groups are required to commit at least 3 months to Friend a Family, engage 15–20 hours per month with their family, and undergo training from both CFNA & the International Institute of St. Louis.
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Companion Activities
Take a look at some of the possibilities below, and if one catches your eye!
Appointment transportation
Shopping trips (grocery & donations)
Early childhood enrichment
ESL in-home tutoring
School registration
Family park, zoo, or museum trip
Family life skills lesson
Transportation
One of the biggest barriers a refugee faces as they resettle in the United States is transportation. Companions will use their own vehicles to transport New American families to events like appointments, worship, and school. All mileage will be reimbursed by CFNA, and all you need to do is simply sign up for transportation slots at your leisure, and we will make sure you have everything you need to get them to their destination.
Testimonial
“ ... if you are looking for an activity that will make a life-changing impact on a family, and an opportunity to witness to others in word and deed, I encourage you to consider the Friend a Family program! ”
Read Doris’s full story here.
Ready to Learn More?
Fill out our interest form or contact CFNA at mail@cfna-stl.org.
