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Solutions for Hometown Connections
Solutions for Hometown Connections (SHC) works with refugees and immigrants in the Washington DC Metro area, providing a network of mentors, tutors, and community connections. SHC founder Merritt Groeschel will tell us about the issues facing refugees as they try to navigate life in the US and how neighbors can help. Sandra Foote, a Bethesda Metro Area Village member, will tell us about her experience spearheading a community effort to sponsor one Afghan family in Bethesda and how others can learn from the obstacles this family overcame.
Merritt Groeschel is the Founder and Executive Director of Solutions in Hometown Connections, a nonprofit organization that engages with refugees and immigrants to connect newcomer families to our community. SHC has been recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy for the impact of its programs including English language classes for newly arrived mothers focusing on preliterate learners, early childhood education, citizenship preparation, and promoting community engagement. SHC is also the newest partner organization of the Maryland Office of Refugees and Asylees (MORA), contracted to provide the innovative SHC Family Education Program for adult learners and their children. Passionate about working with newly arrived members of the community, Merritt spearheaded her church's effort to resettle a Syrian family in 2015; which led to her leadership of the Refugee Sponsors Group consisting of representatives from over 55 diverse faith groups and secular organizations in the greater Washington area; exchanging resources and experience in sponsorship of families who are newcomers to our area. She holds a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law; and an M.A. in International Development Studies from The George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs.
Register in advance for this meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkd-GtqzwsHNHaeYfWwL8i7yx0ko4Smxim