How we help
Blacksburg Refugee Partnership’s approach is holistic. We provide ongoing support to help our refugee families fully integrate into American society, become self-reliant, and achieve fulfilling lives. Here’s some of what our leaders and volunteers do:
We arrange for local housing and provide a start-up kit of furniture, housewares, and linens.
We enroll children in school and provide after-school tutoring and homework help.
We arrange for long-neglected health care by setting up appointments with doctors, dentists, and therapists.
We help refugees get green cards and work toward U.S. citizenship.
We arrange formal English classes with community partners, help refugees practice English speaking and reading, and provide translators as needed.
We help adults find work and arrange necessary child care for young children.
We provide transportation to appointments and show families how to navigate Blacksburg’s bus system.
We teach families about American customs like trick-or-treating and Thanksgiving.
We guide families through completing tasks like paying for groceries at the supermarket.
We offer financial mentorship, teaching refugees how to manage money, open a bank account, use debit cards, and deposit checks.
We help adults earn driver’s licenses.
We sign interested children up for summer camps and sports leagues.
Our ultimate goal is to see our families achieve independence and learn to meet their own needs. Through the sometimes rocky transition to a stable, self-reliant life in America, BRP volunteers lovingly offer resources, guidance, and support.