The Bible says:
“Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
“Don’t mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat citizens and love them as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:33-34
Dear Friends,
As the assault on Ukraine continues to intensify, and thousands are killed and wounded, thousands of its citizens are being displaced. Many of them will not be able to return to their homes, which have been destroyed by the Russian armed forces.
The La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC)
To help those affected find new homes here in the Coulee Region, seven members of our community formed the La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC) in an effort to assist Ukrainians who wish to temporarily resettle here in southwestern Wisconsin. Though many will return to their homeland when possible, the LWC offers peace and hope in the meantime.
The LWC is a member of HIAS, an international resettlement organization started in 1881. Most recently, HIAS aided Afghans in their resettlement all over the U.S. With its guidance, the LWC can assist Ukrainian newcomers in navigating their environment, including government programs, social services, and finding jobs and housing.
The La Crosse Welcome Circle has identified the steps needed to assure an easy transition, but we need your help in expanding the important work we do to include the rest of the Coulee Region. Our goal is to ensure newcomers are settled and on their own, including financially, within six months. Currently, Ukrainians have a two-year limit in the United States.
LWC has teamed with Couleecap, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, to receive donations and to disburse funds. This ensures that all donations are tax deductible and all expenses are carefully audited.
Here’s how you and your parishioners can help:
Donate
Financial donations are a priority because they will assist with all basic needs including housing, transportation, and personal items. To donate online, simply click this donate button.
If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to Couleecap, Inc. and write LWC on the memo line.
Mail checks to: Couleecap, Inc. Attn: LWC
201 Melby Street
Westby, WI 54667
Housing and Transportation
In the meantime, the most important needs are housing and transportation, especially for the first six weeks after arrival. Empty apartments, houses, and available cars will have a tremendous impact on helping our newcomers resettle here.
In-Kind Gifts
The Ukrainian newcomers arrive with little more than what they can carry. Gift cards can be sent to the above mailing address or emailed to lacrossewelcomecircle@gmail.com
Please consider gift cards to Target, Festival, Walmart, Woodman's Foods, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, etc.
Our website has a wish list for in-kind items.
Sponsor
In order to come to the United States, each newcomer must have a sponsor. The La Crosse Welcome Circle is experienced in completing the paperwork, and can offer all the help needed in filling out forms. Sponsorship does not include opening one’s own home for housing or offering full financial support.
Volunteer
As the Welcome Circle goes forward, it will be seeking volunteers to help with everything from school registration, to signing up for social services, to setting up housing and more. We will be asking for experts in the fields of education, health care, including mental health, employment, and other areas.
Some volunteer opportunities will be as simple as providing a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s office, while others will require more time and expertise.
Thank you for sharing your love!
Rabbi Brian Serle Pastor Mark Kvale
Congregation Sons of Abraham English Lutheran Church
“Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
“Don’t mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat citizens and love them as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:33-34
Dear Friends,
As the assault on Ukraine continues to intensify, and thousands are killed and wounded, thousands of its citizens are being displaced. Many of them will not be able to return to their homes, which have been destroyed by the Russian armed forces.
The La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC)
To help those affected find new homes here in the Coulee Region, seven members of our community formed the La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC) in an effort to assist Ukrainians who wish to temporarily resettle here in southwestern Wisconsin. Though many will return to their homeland when possible, the LWC offers peace and hope in the meantime.
The LWC is a member of HIAS, an international resettlement organization started in 1881. Most recently, HIAS aided Afghans in their resettlement all over the U.S. With its guidance, the LWC can assist Ukrainian newcomers in navigating their environment, including government programs, social services, and finding jobs and housing.
The La Crosse Welcome Circle has identified the steps needed to assure an easy transition, but we need your help in expanding the important work we do to include the rest of the Coulee Region. Our goal is to ensure newcomers are settled and on their own, including financially, within six months. Currently, Ukrainians have a two-year limit in the United States.
LWC has teamed with Couleecap, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, to receive donations and to disburse funds. This ensures that all donations are tax deductible and all expenses are carefully audited.
Here’s how you and your parishioners can help:
Donate
Financial donations are a priority because they will assist with all basic needs including housing, transportation, and personal items. To donate online, simply click this donate button.
If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to Couleecap, Inc. and write LWC on the memo line.
Mail checks to: Couleecap, Inc. Attn: LWC
201 Melby Street
Westby, WI 54667
Housing and Transportation
In the meantime, the most important needs are housing and transportation, especially for the first six weeks after arrival. Empty apartments, houses, and available cars will have a tremendous impact on helping our newcomers resettle here.
In-Kind Gifts
The Ukrainian newcomers arrive with little more than what they can carry. Gift cards can be sent to the above mailing address or emailed to lacrossewelcomecircle@gmail.com
Please consider gift cards to Target, Festival, Walmart, Woodman's Foods, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, etc.
Our website has a wish list for in-kind items.
Sponsor
In order to come to the United States, each newcomer must have a sponsor. The La Crosse Welcome Circle is experienced in completing the paperwork, and can offer all the help needed in filling out forms. Sponsorship does not include opening one’s own home for housing or offering full financial support.
Volunteer
As the Welcome Circle goes forward, it will be seeking volunteers to help with everything from school registration, to signing up for social services, to setting up housing and more. We will be asking for experts in the fields of education, health care, including mental health, employment, and other areas.
Some volunteer opportunities will be as simple as providing a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s office, while others will require more time and expertise.
Thank you for sharing your love!
Rabbi Brian Serle Pastor Mark Kvale
Congregation Sons of Abraham English Lutheran Church
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