Kids Care Clubs
Reach Out to Refugees

Since 1975, the U.S. has resettled approximately 2.6 million refugees.  Refugees legally enter the United States in search of freedom, peace, and opportunity for themselves and their families.  Refugees must have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, to obtain refugee status.*

Refugees are settled throughout the United States.  You may even have met some refugee students at your school or church. They may have lived in refugee camps for many years.   Many refugees come to the United States without possessions, and without knowing anyone.   Some refugees come to the U.S. to be reunited with other family members.

Through Kids Care Clubs Reach Out to Refugees, your club can help children and their families adjust to their new home, the United States of America. Some simple, but welcoming ideas:

• Welcome and become friends with refugees
• Invite refugee youth to your home for holidays, birthday parties, or a meal and share American culture with them
• Let them practice speaking English with you

See the below Related Projects for more ideas how to "Reach Out For Refugees."

Before you start your project, check out the Internet Resources on the right side of this page to order free posters and curriculum from the United States High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR). 

*U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Special thanks to Jill Schnoebelen, of the Volunteer Center of Johnson County in Coralville, IA, who created and contributed most of the content for Reach Out to Refugees. Jill has had extensive experience working overseas with refugees.