PELLA — Crossroads of Pella is excited to announce the inclusion of Pella Welcome Corps under its umbrella of services that “meet people where their need is and work with them to find a solution.” Because their services are available to both established residents and newcomers, Crossroads of Pella is uniquely positioned to facilitate Pella Welcome Corps in helping refugee families fleeing war, persecution and natural disasters to find a home in Pella.
“Crossroads of Pella is the first call for help and encouragement,” said Crossroads Associate Director Chris Allen. “This includes area residents who have been here for a while, those who recently moved here and those who hope to make this wonderful city their new home.”
While Crossroads has been helping people since 1983, Pella Welcome Corps (PWC) is a recently formed ecumenical volunteer group of about 15 members. Led by director Lynn Bishara, the PWC board also includes Joan Corbin, Dayrel Gates, Laura Reif, Noreen Vander Wal and Carol Van Klompenburg.
Inspired by the launch of the U.S. State Department’s Welcome Corps program, Bishara organized Pella Welcome Corps’ first meeting in July 2023, which resulted in an ambitious goal of welcoming a refugee family to Pella by year’s end. Before that can happen, however, approximately $10,000 needs to be raised to help a family of four begin their new lives as Pella residents, finding employment, housing and educational opportunities.
Being included as a service of Crossroads of Pella will expedite that process and ensure that all contributions go toward local needs. “Crossroads has the experience and structures that will assist us in fundraising and collecting donations of material goods and supporting newcomers with necessary services,” said Bishara.
Churches, community groups and local businesses are invited to partner with PWC through financial as well as in kind donations of basic necessities, which will be used to assist refugee families in Pella during their first ninety days. Housing, employment and transportation are other areas of need. “Once the newcomers arrive, there will be many ways to help,” said Bishara. “Our hope is that the community of Pella will be a welcoming place of refuge for families seeking freedom and safety.”
Donations to PWC may be made to Crossroads of Pella with a designation to Pella Welcome Corps. Questions as well as offers of employment, housing or other necessities may be directed to Lynn Bishara at pellawelcomecorps@gmail.com. For more information about Pella Welcome Corps, visit the Pella Welcome Corps page on Facebook. Additional information about the U.S. Welcome Corps program may be found at welcomecorps.org/about
