Janet’s Story
"You can’t even measure the impact of Community Sponsorship as there are so many positives; it knits people together by providing an avenue to express kindness, demonstrate love and show support."
I was approached by the parish priest and asked to come to a meeting about Community Sponsorship. At the time, I didn’t really know what it was, I just knew it was something to do with welcoming refugees and supporting them with what they needed. We were seeing images of migrants crossing seas and I don't know how you couldn’t be touched by what was happening all around the world.
I did not hesitate to get involved and for me it was about shared humanity. No family can integrate into a community if they don’t have resources to support them. We live in a community of about 2,500 people with loads of activity, loads of community spirit and people just wanted to get involved. After an initial information meeting, our group of ten was formed and we started to look at the practicalities of the settlement plan and the fundraising.
When the family arrived, it was a joy to meet them. There were only a few of us at the house to welcome the family, so as not to overwhelm them. But over the coming week, all ten of us had met with the family. Community Sponsorship allows you to help at a local level and everyone has something to different and valuable to give. You don’t need skills; you just need to have a heart.
“Community Sponsorship has arms and legs that stretch out far beyond the local community. It has such a positive knock-on effect.”
There were hiccups and challenges of course, but we were a good team, and we learned how to be open and honest with each other. We talked things through and tried to come to a consensus. At the end of the day, these were small issues compared to what the family has been through.
The family have integrated incredibly well. They have a beautiful house, and the children are well settled in school. That’s all that mattered to us at the end of the day.
Community Sponsorship has arms and legs that stretch out far beyond the local community. It has such a positive knock-on effect. I can hardly describe the impact; it has brought such a positive vibe to our own community, but it has also had a wider reach as other parishes have heard and asked how they can replicate what we have done. You can’t even measure the impact as there are so many positives; it knits people together by providing an avenue to express kindness, demonstrate love and show support.
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Community welcome brings people together to help newcomers settle into local communities across Ireland. Whether you are an individual or a group, you will have something unique to contribute. We can help connect you with others and offer guidance and support.