Overview: The First Friends Coordinator assists First Presbyterian Evanston and the First Friends refugee ministry in accomplishing its mission: To know Christ and to grow in him as we serve and make disciples in Evanston, the Chicago area, and the world. The person in this position ensures that refugee families are shown the love of Christ and helped in practical ways as they make a new life in the area.
Responsibilities:
- The refugee family has been prayed for regularly.
- Each month, the family has been visited or checked in with.
- Needs have been identified within the family, and problem solving has taken place with members of the family.
- Help has been given with practical things such as registering a child for school, navigating online resources, and finding appropriate furnishings.
- POC has been reported to with information about the family, further needs, and necessary changes.
- Second and fourth quarter meetings have been attended for reporting and planning purposes.
- Group special events have been attended as possible: Refugee Thanksgiving Dinner, Syrian Mother’s Day outing, and the summer picnic.
Relationships, Team Composition:
The First Friends Coordinator reports to the Director of Mission and is part of a 24-person refugee visiting team.
Time Commitment: 3 – 8 Hours per Month
- Praying for the refugee family every day
- Spending time with the family and assisting with needs monthly
- Attending meetings 2 quarters per year
- Participating in annual special events with other refugee families and visitors
Special Talents, Skills Preferred: Hospitable, culturally sensitive, encouraging, willing to initiate, and creative with problem solving.
Resources, Training Provided: Orientation, brainstorming meetings, resource booklet, opportunity to engage with First Friends leaders and World Relief trainings.
Contact Person(s):
Sally Ivaska, sallyivaska1@gmail.com
Caryl Weinberg, cweinberg@firstpresevanston.org
