Be a Neighbor to a Refugee Family of 4 in Cortland

We are seeking support for a family of 4 Afghans to be resettled in Cortland.

This is a service opportunity for all of us to do what we do best—be a good neighbor, guide, and friend to a refugee family finding their way in our community in their first few months of arrival.

100% of the received funds will be spent on supporting the family’s start-up and living expenses during their transition to independence in our community.

How does it work?

The family resettling in the U.S. is arriving with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), which are given to certain individuals—most often Afghan or Iraqi nationals—who worked with the U.S. government, military, or contractors in their home country. Because of their service, they now face serious threats at home, so the SIV program offers them a pathway to safety in the U.S.

We applied to sponsor a family through the Community Sponsorship Hub, a nonprofit connecting SIV holders and other refugee groups with people in the U.S. who want to support them in resettling. The organization launched in 2021 as an emergency private sponsorship initiative to support Afghans arriving through Operation Allies Welcome. They provide training for sponsor group (that’s us!) on how to prepare for and support newcomers, match sponsor groups with refugee families who are eligible for private sponsorship, and offer technical assistance during the sponsorship period.

Who are we sponsoring?

We have been matched with a young Afghan couple and their two daughters ages 1 and 2. The family is traveling on a Special Immigrant Visa, which often take many months or even years to be approved.

Why support us?

Supporting a newly arrived refugee family is a powerful way to extend compassion and dignity to people who have been forced to flee their homes. By helping them navigate their new environment, meet basic needs, and feel welcomed, we not only ease their transition but also help lay the foundation for a future filled with hope, stability, and opportunity. As sponsors, we'll play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging for the family and reinforcing our nation's tradition of compassion and support.

How can you help?

This fundraiser is organized by a group of 7 neighbors in the Cortland-area, Adrianne Traub, Maryrose Livingston, Donn Hewes, Kristin Avery, Tim Lockwood, Jenifer Cohen and Susan Williams.

We are so excited for this opportunity to strengthen our community by welcoming a new family eager to make a home here in the United States. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to creating a welcoming, compassionate community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Thanks for your support!