Arm in Arm Outreach

FAMILY SUPPORT (no charge to families) Arm in Arm Outreach (AIAO) provided basic food monthly for an average of 20 families, 68 individuals. A source of heat (stove/heater) and fuel were supplied for four families. Funds for baby formula were provided for 2 babies, plus medicine for 1 ill infant. An AIAO volunteer visited families at least monthly to distribute food cards and evaluate physical needs. A Client Support volunteer interacted as needed to assist with education, housing needs, identification of one-time support needs, etc.

SELF-RELIANCE (no charge to families) Arm in Arm Outreach performs interviews and has ongoing interaction with each family regarding moving towards self-reliance in their refugee country and longer-term plans for relocation. Due to restrictions on employment, options are limited for generating income. Support by AIAO included payment of tuition fees, providing 2 laptops for online education, implementation of weekly ESL online classes, and assistance in identifying and enrolling in online courses (3 individuals). One individual, an RN in her native country, has been mentored through the process and provided with funds to obtain proof of her previous nursing degree renew that degree, and work towards ultimate certification in the United States.

RELOCATION (no charge to families) Arm in Arm Outreach assists individuals or families who need to relocate away from danger or relocate to become self-sufficient. Throughout the year, 8 individuals were provided financial assistance and safe contacts to relocate from areas of danger within their refugee country to safer areas. They were assisted with contact information and resources to reside in a safe house for part of the year. Additionally, several individuals or families were helped to legally relocate to a safe country through the UNHCR or through legally sponsored immigration to Canada through a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). AIAO assisted a family who needed to prioritize their UNHCR case because they had been repeatedly assaulted and needed expedited relocation to a safe country. AIAO helped six individuals learn about Canadian Immigration, make necessary introductions to an SAH, and then assisted financially with immigration including flights, medical exams, updated COVID vaccinations, and initial move-in and living expenses. In total, 14 people moved forward successfully with their immigration.