JVS Launches Ambassador Program

By Marisa Tesoro

Photo courtesy of JVS

Jewish Vocational Service in Kansas City recently launched their Ambassador Program, a form of community sponsorship in which a group of community members will work in partnership with JVS to help resettle a refugee family.

From JVS:

Rooted in the JVS core value that all people have intrinsic worth and dignity, Ambassador groups will work in collaboration with JVS staff and service providers to engage, encourage and empower people to achieve social, cultural and economic integration in the Greater Kansas City metro area.

Their first Ambassador group is made up of 14 people in their late 30s to mid-60s, and they have prepared and trained for months to welcome and support a refugee family.

One of their first tasks was to set up their family’s home. They furnished it with household items and stocked the pantry with culturally appropriate food.

Then, it was time to meet the family! The group accompanied JVS to the airport to welcome the family of 6 from Burundi and bring them to their new home.

Now, over the next 6 months, this group will support the family as they acclimate to their new home.

They’ll help the family navigate the bus system, take them on day-to-day outings such as trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, and laundromat. They’ll connect them to services, helping them set up bank accounts and get library cards. They’ll practice English with them, support their job search, and help parents navigate their children’s school, including bus schedules, homework, school alerts, and more.

JVS will still provide core Reception and Placement services while the Ambassador group supports these new families in navigating the new routines of their day-to-day life.

JVS will also host monthly check-ins with the group to navigate any issues and answer any lingering questions.

“We know there are going to be situations that arise that they aren’t sure how to handle,” said Lauren Weinhold, JVS’ Chief External Affairs Officer. “We know that the families are going to ask them questions or ask them to do things that perhaps weren’t in the training manual. So we want to give folks an opportunity to process those things on a regular basis.”

The goal is still self-sufficiency, but the community is actively helping them get there.

“After six months, the goal is that they’ll have established some connections whether it’s through the schools, church, community center,” said Sean Reilly, the Community Sponsorship Coordinator at JVS.  “They will also have people who, even though that six-month commitment is over, they’ll have relationships with beyond the six months.”