Give a child the opportunity for a family and a future.
Welcoming newcomers to our community.
Programs Assisting Refugee Acculturation:
Can you give your time to help a family feel at home in a new country?
It is our privilege and duty as God’s people to follow His example in loving and welcoming strangers. PARA works to link newly-arrived refugees with church co-sponsors, individual volunteers, service providers, and other community resources. We strive to help refugees adjust to their new home in West Michigan.
PARA provides language training, cultural orientation, and social, educational, health, and financial information. We work to integrate refugee families so they feel a sense of home and belonging here.
Church volunteers can help by finding and furnishing an apartment, providing food, and collecting clothing and other household items. You can provide transportation to appointments, take the family shopping, invite the family for a meal in your home, or volunteer in many other ways.

You can help.
Volunteer with PARA and help new refugees by:
- Helping them practice English skills.
- Offering your friendship.
- Giving information about the community.
- Coaching them on ways to find work.
- Having your church co-sponsor a refugee family
Welcoming refugees:
Your church can make a refugee family
feel surrounded by loving care. PARA
works with churches to co-sponsor and
resettle refugee families in the United States.
Churches offer volunteer time and money
to help support the family. A co-sponsoring
church may give approximately 250 to 300
volunteer hours over three to four months.
Get your church involved in this exciting ministry
of welcoming newcomers to West Michigan!
5 Comments NOT to say to a Birthmom - Have you faced a similar situation? http://t.co/J2QzaR92
You are a child of God. #LifeisBeautiful
@jasonross12 @pastorswifeCHCC @kakmccullough @bell_amy @IAmABlackMother @cathysvoice Thanks for sharing!
.@TonyDungy #SuperBowl winning coach and adoptive dad http://t.co/6pr8cnji
Thx Catelynn! @CatelynnLowell: Use your Super Bowl halftime to help children! Download free @TonyDungy adoption video. http://t.co/UoMlb6DZ
10 Things Not to Say to Adoptive Parents - Have you experienced any of these situations? http://t.co/ciMzKDKK
"Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning?" - Coleman Cox
Do you know about the adoption tax credit? Check to see if you can claim it on your 2011 taxes! http://t.co/SLcvFs7F
RT @TylerBaltierra: Use your Super Bowl halftime to help children! Download free @TonyDungy @LaurenDungy #adoption video. http:/bit.ly/xaPY9L @Bethany #notascam
"Relying on God has to start all over everyday, as if nothing has yet been done." - C.S. Lewis
Do you agree with @TonyDungy? http://t.co/6pr8cnji
@MemuLee Hopefully! We're always trying to grow!
In 2011 we opened several new service locations, including expansion into Alabama and Connecticut! #GodIsGreat
Less than one week until the big game! Are you watching with us? http://t.co/6pr8cnji
RT @JonathanMerritt: Rising for my first meeting on the @Bethany natl board. A bit nervous but excited.


