Side by Side Co-Sponsorship Program

• The key focus is to reinforce the refugees’ strengths and to facilitate skill-building for self-sufficiency.
• Support the family to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
• Provide opportunities for community connection.
• Provide information without making decisions for the family.
• Sponsors should think not of “doing for” but rather “doing with.”

• Institute staff:
  • Provides initial basic needs items upon arrival
  • In partnership with the Side by Side team, the Institute provides all core services as outlined in the federal refugee resettlement program within the first 90 days.
  • Assists the family in achieving self-sufficiency with enrollment in employment programs, ESL classes and more.
  • Advocates on refugees’ behalf to receive services for which they are eligible.
• Side by Side Team:
  • Supports the family as they integrate into the community.
  • Assists Institute staff with completing core services.
  • Supports the family in achieving self-sufficiency.
• New American Family:
  • Works in partnership with Institute staff and Side by Side team for a successful resettlement experience.
  • Works towards achieving self-sufficiency by obtaining employment, learning English, going to school, and being actively involved in their own resettlement experience.

An orientation and training will be provided for all Side by Side team members. Institute staff will handle case management and core services for the family. Team members will work with Institute staff to ensure the program runs smoothly and effectively.

• The Side by Side team is responsible for the following:
  • Housing setup:
    • Furnish, clean and prepare housing for the family’s arrival.
  • Airport pickup:
    • Greet and pick up the family at the airport.
    • Provide them with a warm, culturally-appropriate meal on their first night.
  • Bus training:
    • Teach the family how to use the bus and light rail systems.
  • Food and Material Needs:
    • Take the family on their first trip to the grocery store.
    • Assist the family in learning how to access their public assistance benefits
  • A one time financial commitment to support the resettlement process (housing setup and furnishing, additional rent, basic essential items).
  • Other:
    • Check in and visit family at least once a week.
    • Help the family get oriented to their neighborhoods and community, by assisting them with such activities as obtaining a library card.
    • Show them the different U.S. currencies.
    • Help families set up a bank account.
      • Teach them how to balance the account.
    • Teach the family how to tell time with a digital and analog clock.
  • You are not limited to the provided options and please feel free to explore more fun opportunities to get to know the family and introduce them to new adventures and experiences in Minnesota!

Please reach out to Sarah Burbage, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected], or (651) 377-8677.