A family of 11 refugees from Syria (mother, father and 9 children) moved into the Queen of Peace convent on March 8, 2023.  Case managers from Catholic Charities and Catholic Family Services have been working with the family to help them settle into their new home.

Within the next week or so, volunteers who have been vetted by CCCFS, will be helping to transport the family to their appointments with physicians, learning centers, DHS and other agencies to complete all the requirements needed to enroll in school and programs to start their lives here in Rochester.  CCCFS will also be arranging for volunteer mentors to start working with the family to help them become familiar with life and customs in their new country.

If you are interested in working as a mentor or transportation provider, volunteers are required to complet an application/background check with CCCFS.    

1. Fill out the online application (indicate RIES as the department you are working with, and mention you are from the parish): https://forms.office.com/r/4dVnN4VvFf
2. Application forms can be requested by emailing  [email protected]

Over the next few weeks, we will also be working with the case managers to develop guidance for other types of activities that our parish community can do to welcome them to our community.  We’ll keep you updated as we have more information.  In the meantime, please keep these and all refugees in your prayers. 
 
One final note - If you have furniture, household goods or clothing to donate, please consider Saint’s Place.  They take care of setting up the households and providing clothing for all the people who are resettled through CCCFS.  They have a website that lists all their current needs  -  Saint's Place (saintsplace.org)