Westchester Church Seeks Help Resettling Afghan Refugee Family

BEDFORD, NY — A Bedford church has announced that it will collaborate with other non-profit organizations to do its part to help resettle refugees fleeing Afghanistan in our community.

Bedford Presbyterian Church said it has connected with other religious, nonreligious and unaffiliated groups to form ReSET Westchester. The new coalition's goal is to assist refugees throughout the resettlement process, according to organizers.

The newly formed group is already working to prepare for a family of 5 relocating to the Hudson Valley from Afghanistan on Dec. 27.

The Bedford church is in charge of living room furnishings for the family. Most of the large items have already been obtained, but the church said it still needs a few more furnishings and household items.

While the initial mission for ReSET will involve finding furnishings and other personal items for the family, once the family arrives, the group will help the new neighbors to acclimate within the community, as well as assist them in finding employment, childcare, education, financial assistance and other essentials. The coalition will need a village to help accomplish this daunting to-do list.

"Co-sponsorship is a task for which we will need many of you to partner with us in order to be successful," church officials wrote in a social media call for volunteers and donations. "We have a myriad of volunteer activities, some simple, some more involved, some that will require training and some that will require collection of specific items that are needed."

The following items, in good condition, can be used right away for the family arriving this week:

• Futon
• Floor pillows (new or very gently used)
• Desktop computer
• Printer
• Window Treatments
• Activity center for the baby (saucer, jumper)
• Gift cards (Target/Acme/Khols)

The church said there are many volunteer opportunities from the very simple to the very involved, and financial donations will be needed, as well.

Those interested in volunteering can email resetwestchester@gmail.com or email elyssa@bedfordpreschurch.org for more information.

Donors can also email Elyssa to coordinate donations and can sign up for specific donations here.