Why Community Sponsorships?

Catholic Charities partners with community groups throughout Mid-Missouri to help refugee families restart their lives in towns throughout the region. Community Sponsors play an integral role in helping refugees become self-sufficient and get off to a strong start in their new home community.  Sponsorship is a collaboration between Catholic Charities, your community group, and a refugee family.

Resettlement Process

In a community sponsorship, Catholic Charities delegates most resettlement tasks to your group. Sponsors secure affordable housing, collect furniture and other household items, and help refugees access public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP/food stamps, and TANIF/cash assistance for eligible families). Sponsors also enroll children in school, facilitate job searches, and perform other necessary tasks. Catholic Charities looks forward to partnering with your community group in the tremendous mission of refugee resettlement!

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and non-faith-based community groups have already answered the call to help refugees resettle throughout central Missouri. Are you ready to join them?

Becoming A Sponsor

1. Contact Lacy Stroessner, Refugee Services Community Sponsorship Coordinator: lstroessner@cccnmo.org or 573-635-7719 to discuss Sponsorship opportunities
2. Complete the Sponsorship Application Form
3. Review the Community Sponsorship Training Handbook

Sponsorship Resources

Is your group already a Sponsorship partner with Catholic Charities?  Below are resources to aid you in your work with the refugee community.

Community Sponsorship Resources:

• Home and Safety Checklist
• Liability and Group Organization Requirements
• Food Necessities for Afghan Refugees
• Missouri Mental Health and Wellness Directory
• APA Orientation Checklist
• Client Budget Template 
• Housing Grant Guide
• Health Medical Tips for APA Clients
• Sponsorship Group Volunteer Contributions and Service Record