Press Release
Residents of Fairhaven and the surrounding communities are excited to welcome the refugee families.
Up to 20 families will be temporarily residing at the Seaport Inn while they sort out their status and find permanent residence. Community members lead by Kelly Ochoa, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven, has organized the “Southcoast Welcome Corps” in preparation of the immigrant families’ arrival.
Fairhaven has always been a welcoming place, and it is a beautiful coincidence that the families will be joining the town during the celebration of the Manjiro Festival – a multi-day festival celebrating the first Japanese immigrant in the US, Manjiro Nakahama.
The Welcome Corps is made up of local residents and religious leaders, and members of the Fairhaven Belonging Committee who share in the desire to support displaced families during their time of transition.
Currently, the Welcome Corps is collecting items that families may need, including baby formula, diapers, and winter coats. They are also organizing activities for the families like walking tours of the town and connecting them to the services they need during their temporary stay.
Delegates from local resources will be meeting the new families as they arrive with small gift baskets prepared by volunteers from the YWCA of Southeastern MA.
Partners, including the YWCA, PACE, and Greater New Bedford United Way are also supporting the families by offering organizational support and guidance. The Town of Fairhaven has internally prepared to help overcome language barriers during accessing receiving services.
If people would like to volunteer to help, they can reach out to the corps at scwelcomecorps@gmail.com or directly to the Town of Fairhaven. French or Haitian Creole speakers are especially encouraged to connect.
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Click here to download the 10/12/23 issue: 10-12-23 ManjiroFest
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