Good Neighbor Teams
When refugees first arrive in the United States, there is an overwhelming amount for them to navigate. Corvallis For Refugees (CFR) implements the Good Neighbor Team (GNT) model to wrap around families and individual New Neighbors with volunteer groups who focus on community and hospitality.
The vision is not for a GNT to have all the answers for New Neighbors, but to meet them with friendship that empowers them to thrive in the Corvallis community. Our goal is to maintain dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency. This is a mutually transformative and rewarding experience we hope you will consider!
How are GNTs expected to support New Neighbors?
Pre-Arrival
Placement of refugees can happen very quickly (sometimes, with a week's notice!) so a fully-trained, background-checked GNT will be contacted and expected to help prepare for the New Neighbors' arrival in a prompt manner. This looks like:
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Purchase grocery items to stock the fridge for the first few days after arrival (a culturally specific list will be provided).
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Meet the New Neighbor(s) at the airport as they arrive.
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Work with the Welcome Home team lead to help the family to access the resources available for groceries and clothing (Vina Moses, Altrusa Clothes Closet, etc.) within the first few weeks following arrival.
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Help with the initial set up of their new home by moving furniture and making the space welcoming.
Upon Arrival - the First 90 Days
The first 90 days are known as the Resettlement and Placement period (R&P). This is when CFR staff will be most hands-on. The GNT is expected to support CFR's work (see the "Core Services" button above) and reassure the New Neighbor(s) as they adjust. This looks like:
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Ask the New Neighbor how the transition is going. They will be very busy with medical appointments, cultural orientations, job interviews, school registration, and English language classes. Listen empathetically, and remember that your job is not to have all the answers.
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Encourage the New Neighbor(s) to share concerns with the CFR case manager. Sometimes, they have the answers and just need to be asked the questions. When they don’t have the answers, they can often find someone who does!
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If you are a CFR Authorized Driver, you may transport the New Neighbor(s) during this time.
Ongoing for a year
The relationship with New Neighbors at this point should feel like a friendship. This looks like:
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Meet with the New Neighbor(s) once a week for a meal, coffee, tea, or dessert (invite them to your home or visit them in their home).
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Introduce the New Neighbor(s) to American holidays.
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Give them a tour of Corvallis and take them to experience recreational resources near them (parks, library, restaurants, and other events in the city).
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Continually learn about the New Neighbor’s culture and language.
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Introduce the New Neighbor(s) to others in the community.
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Share your experience as a Good Neighbor Team with the community, so others might be interested in joining a Good Neighbor Team!
How will CFR and GNTs collaborate?
