Support a Family
GET TO KNOW A FAMILY
and your neighbors!
One of the most rewarding ways to support migrant families is by joining a team! Teams consist of 4 - 5 people, which means you’ll get to know your neighbors while showing a new-to-Denver family how to navigate our city.
You won’t be alone, promise!
We are using the
“Support Team Method” to surround families that need help.
This means each family has a team, which consists of several people who host, translate, transport, and help secure the resources they need.
Because there are many processes to navigate - schooling, housing, medical, legal - we’ve found it takes a village to keep our sanity and get it all done.
I think I want to do it, but what do you have to do?
HOW DOES IT WORK AND WHY DO WE NEED IT?
Have you ever gone to the DMV for a license? Or had to get your kids a passport? Or tried to navigate a healthcare website?
That stuff is tough if you SPEAK the language!
Now, imagine you don’t speak the language, aren’t sure how things work, and you don’t know anyone. It’s a recipe for stress, overwhelm, and costly mistakes.
The Support-A-Family program is designed to alleviate some of those pain points - we don’t do the work for families, but we educate and help them through the process.
The Goal of the Program is to empower families to thrive in the US and be self-sufficient.
Check out this video where Andrea Ryall walks you through the process and benefits.
SO, WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
Meeting immediate needs (taking them shopping at The Closet, sharing local food banks, sending apartments)
Helping families navigate existing resources that can be daunting even for native English speakers like government websites, documents, legal resources
Helping families brainstorm and problem solve challenges they face in finding work, stable housing, transportation, healthcare, and financial issues
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF I SUPPORT A FAMILY?
You really get to decide!
This is all grass-roots and make it up as you go, so it’s up to you to set boundaries and expectations. To help with the load, we highly recommend finding some friends (a team!) and divvying up tasks!
But, you’re not on your own!
Don’t worry, we have lots of answers to your questions. There are a lot of people who are farther along in the process and can help with anything that comes up. And we have a dedicated Facebook group just for Support-A-Family participants where you can post questions, gather resources, and find community.
Give me the breakdown.
-Find a family that speaks to you in the Migrant Support Spreadsheet (Support a Family tab)
-You’ll receive the family’s contact info (usually their WhatsApp number)
-Reach out to the family and offer your support
-Start supporting and enjoying your new friends!
Once connected, the relationship is yours - we only ask that you help them get their physical needs met and the rest is up to you!
OKAY, I’M READY TO GET GOING!
Highlands: Head to our google spreadsheet to find a family you want to support. If you have questions about signing up, contact Jenelle H on Facebook.
Central Park/Park Hill and NE Denver: Support a Family is being run by All Souls. The list of families looking for help is here. If you have questions about signing up, contact Info@AllSoulsDenver.com
We recommend seeking a family from the spreadsheet or referral as opposed to soliciting one directly, for your safety and theirs.
KNOW A FAMILY THAT COULD USE SUPPORT?
Have them fill out this form to get added to the list
- Someone will be in contact within a few days with more information.Need translation support?
- We have a list of bilingual volunteers who are happy to helpALREADY HELPING A FAMILY?
Check out these resources to help you navigate getting them settled
- We cover everything from work permits, to apartment hunting, to schools.Looking for a form?
- Head here to find downloadable forms for everything from change of address to riding the bus.Does your family need items like clothing, food, and baby supplies?
- Have them shop the community closet