(Picture Appears Courtesy of Jewish Social Services)
On Monday August 30th, 2021 the U.S. finally ended its' 20 year war in Afghanistan, American military operations and America's allies have evacuated an historic 120,000 people. Fort McCoy in Sparta is one of three U.S. military bases that is currently receiving and housing newly arrived Afghan refugees. According the Biden Administration nearly 400 immigrants will be resettled in Wisconsin.
Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) is preparing for the potential arrival of the first families in the Madison area. JSS is one of many organizations in Southern Wisconsin that have a long history of helping newcomers settle into their newly adopted communities. In the past JSS has resettled families from war torn places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria and Afghanistan.
New Afghan immigrants will likely be processed through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program before they would be assisted through JSS's own 90 day, case management program, Reception and Placement (R&P) to help individuals and families with resettlement in Madison. The task of resettlement is monumental and JSS is by no means the only organization handling the influx of new residents, other groups include Open Doors for Refugees, and Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS. ) LSS is also readying for the Afghan which may settle in our state.
“We connect them to all of the resources that will help them be as independent and self-sufficient as possible, we help these individuals come to Wisconsin, to our country, because they’re fleeing from war and persecution,” said
Héctor Colón, President and CEO of LSS.
Jewish Social Service's R&P program will find fully furnished apartments for the Afghan refugees, needed health car, public benefits and several other services to ease the adjustment of the immigrants' new life in America. Additional services include assistance with employment, career advancement and ESL programs.
With so many unknowns about the status of Afghan immigrants resettling in Wisconsin JSS is currently seeking much needed donations. "to help us prepare for a possible increase in arrivals, and to help those who have already resettled in Madison from Afghanistan and other countries, the most helpful thing you can do is provide financial donations to JSS, If you have items to donate or wish to volunteer, visit Open Doors For Refugees' donations page and volunteer page,." says Jim Mackman Development Associate, at Jewish Social Services. For people seeking to volunteer with any required resettlement initiatives, Mackman added that "if we receive information about what you might be able to do to help Afghan SIV recipients, we will post on our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.."
WANT TO HELP?
The Jewish Social Services of Madison, located
6434 Enterprise Lane Madison, Wisconsin 53719
is open Friday 8 am to 4 pm.
For questions or more information about JSS programs please email or call:
Email:
info@jssmadison.org
Phone: (608) 442-4081
About JSS
Jewish Social Services of Madison empowers families and individuals across generations and cultures to build community and self-sufficiency, with a strong commitment to the Jewish community and inspired by Jewish values.
We offer services in the areas of short-term advocacy, long-term case management, Jewish spiritual care and immigration services. We serve people of all ages and backgrounds.
