Imagine the courage it takes to flee a country, leaving behind loved ones, language and culture, to relocate to a foreign country, sight unseen. Imagine doing so with young children. Now imagine doing so without money.

The Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement (IPRR) is currently settling a brave, hard-working refugee family from Latin America.

Based in Newtown, IPRR since 2016 has settled multiple refugee families in the area. The current family has household expenses to cover including food and rent. While the parents are working now, they need English classes, driver’s licenses, and a vehicle so that they can work in the fields they were trained for in their home country.

Like most refugees, they also need to pay back a sizeable travel loan they received from the International Organization for Migration to get here.

IPRR is asking readers to consider making a donation to support the newest family under its umbrella. Its fundraising goal is $10,000. Online donations can be done quickly and securely at trinitynewtownct.org/iprr.

The nonprofit organization would love to hear from someone with a used vehicle in good condition. To reach someone to begin that discussion, send an email to iprefugeer@gmail.com.

IPRR teams set up homes with furnishings, provide clothing and food, and pay rent until employment can be obtained. They also enroll children into local schools, translate languages, offer culturally sensitive welcome and support, give rides, and assist in finding employment and medical care.

It is a multi-faceted endeavor, as volunteers on multiple committees work to help a family get a good start within the community.

IPRR’s partner faith communities are Muslim, Baha’i, Jewish, and Christian; it models a cooperative spirit of unity that enhances all common civic life.

None of IPRR’s leaders are paid. Everyone is a volunteer, and there are no overhead costs. An independent interfaith group, IPRR’s fiscal sponsor is Trinity Episcopal Church, and all funds raised go directly to refugee family needs.

IPRR works under the guidance of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services in New Haven. The refugees have been vetted and accepted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the US government to seek refuge from persecution, war, or natural disaster.

Visit iprefugeer.org to learn more about IPRR including volunteer opportunities.