Learn more about JCOR at JCORAnnArbor.org

Most of our family histories include stories of caring people who stepped up to help our ancestors resettle in this country.  Today we are challenged to step up and help another generation of refugees.
 

During the extraordinary influx of Afghan refugees in 2021, Jewish Family Services—the Washtenaw County NGO that provides resettlement assistance to refugees—invited faith communities to partner with them in their work.  The Jewish community responded with JCOR, an all-volunteer collaboration among six Ann Arbor area congregations:  Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan, Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation, Beth Israel Congregation, Jewish Cultural Society, Pardes Hannah, and Temple Beth Emeth.
 

JCOR’s mission is to help newly arrived refugees re-establish their independence, orient to American culture, and develop a firm footing in their new home in the United States.  To do this, JCOR volunteers work directly with the families through their first year here to teach them about our financial systems and help them build their household budget. Other JCOR volunteers help secure the families’ long-term housing and then recruit a larger team of helpers for move-in day.  As soon as the families have a long-term address, JCOR education team members assist with the process of enrolling the families’ children in school.  Still other JCOR volunteers introduce them to public transportation options and even ride along on an AATA bus or two to get them started.  On-call volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, job interviews, and such when mass transit is not available.

JCOR also subsidizes necessary expenses—primarily in housing, health care, and transportation—that are not covered by the state and national funds that JFS helps them secure.  These subsidies decrease gradually as the families become established with secure housing, jobs, health care, and education for their children.

Donors at every level make all this possible.

Your gift will help ensure that these courageous families succeed in their quest to make a new home and build a future here in the United States.
 

The family members we help resettle today will be the parents and grandparents of tomorrow. Thank you for your contribution in support of this effort.

Question about JCOR or how to get involved? Visit the JCOR website.

Questions about your donation? Contact Federation's Chief Financial Officer Robert Deschaine at robert@jewishannarbor.org or (734) 773-3536.

Sending a check? Please designate the donation for JCOR and mail to JCOR’s fiduciary, The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, at:

2939 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48108.