In traditional resettlement, individuals and groups in the U.S. co-sponsor refugees in collaboration with resettlement agencies. While co-sponsorship will continue, Welcome Corps provides a new opportunity for sponsors to resettle refugees in their community. Canada has been using a Private Sponsorship model for decades, and many churches in Canada report experiencing success through this model.

After undergoing a rigorous vetting and screening process, refugees are approved for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and matched with Private Sponsor Groups (you!) for resettlement. The Welcome Corps matches groups with refugees from all over the world who are approved for resettlement. Your Private Sponsor Group can specify nationalities or languages you are best equipped to support.

• Sponsors start by forming a group of 5+ members over 18 years old. Group members can be from the same family, church, neighborhood, etc. 

• At least one group member must go through an online training (though we suggest all members take the training). 

• Sponsor groups raise $2,425 per refugee newcomer. You may specify how many individuals you are able to sponsor. 60% of the required funds must be raised to submit a sponsorship application. 

• With the help of your Private Sponsor Organization, create a plan of how you will provide core services and submit an application through the Welcome Corps. 

  Upon arrival, you will welcome newcomers at the airport and help them settle in. 

• For the next 90 days, it is your responsibility to support them as they begin life in the U.S. This includes:
  helping to secure employment and housing,
  providing transportation and accessing public transit,
  enrolling children in school,
  going to the grocery store and getting oriented to the community
  securing essential documentation and benefits,
  connecting to English classes, and more. 

• While the commitment described above is for 90 days, refugee newcomers will continue acclimating to their new community. Your commitment includes ensuring the individual or family is connected with ongoing support and services in your community. The friendships built along the way could last a lifetime.

No! The Christian Reformed Church is partnered with an accredited Private Sponsor Organization, Exodus World Service. Founded in 1988, Exodus mobilizes the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees. They walk with you every step of the way - from educating your congregation, mobilizing your group, submitting your application, and through the entire sponsorship period.

1. Get connected with Exodus World Service/Thrive staff by emailing [email protected] and you will be provided with a detailed plan on your next steps.

2. Attend a Private Sponsorship Information Session with Exodus staff. 

3. Form a Private Sponsor Group of 5 or more members. 

4. Complete the required background checks. 

5. At least one person completes the Community Sponsorship Essentials Training. All other group members should complete the training before refugee arrival.

6. Open an Application with Welcome Corps.