A local group is working with a national program to welcome refugees in need across the globe to Pella. Lynn Bishara is facilitating a group of citizens to partner with the Welcome Corps, an organization developed by the U.S. Department of State to help increase resource availability to those participating in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Bishara says these individuals are fully vetted and have been fleeing political violence across the globe, and they are people who aim to make a difference in the communities that welcome them.

“I believe that there are many people in the community who would like to help in a tangible way, and having refugee newcomers in our community would benefit all of us. I have done a lot of networking on my own for the past few months, attended training sessions about the process and how to move forward,” Bishara says.

An informational meeting will be held today at 6 p.m. in the Pella Community Center, with guest speakers sharing how they’ve worked in communities similar to Pella to build the infrastructure and support needed to welcome refugees and their families. Those with questions can contact Bishara here.