_We are in need of a volunteer to help Doe Loe and Shee Kpaw set up a bank account.

The best option is the Wells Fargo on Phalen preferably on Saturday because there is an employee at the bank that can speak Karen.

We are also in need of some follow up visits to help Doo Loe and Shee Kpaw manage their bank account and learn money skills. (MCC has some books and visuals to help learn these skills.)

If you can help with one of these appointments or need more details, please send me an email.

One more update: Doo Loe now has a new leg with a bendable knee. This is great news for him! He doesn’t have it at home yet because he needs to practice with the therapist at the clinic before he’s able to use it full time, but he’s going every week to work on it.

Blessings,
Julie Ginader,
Refugee Project Coordinator
Send an email to Julie Ginader.

Read about some of the experiences our Valley volunteers are having, please be sure to click on the links below.

Christian McNellis - Providing Transportation for Our Refugee Family

Jody Thiesfeld - Visiting the Our Refugee Family in Their Home

Kathryn Haase - Our Family Took Their Family to the Como Zoo

We are in need of three people that are willing to help Doe Loe and Shee Kpaw learn how to ride and navigate the bus system from their home.

There are three locations that they will visit on a regular basis and learning the bus system will allow them to become independent. 

It’s easy to figure out bus routes on the Metro Transit website.  They have a Trip Planner that allows you to input your start and end locations and times and it will tell you all the possible routes.  If you are new to the bus system, it's completely okay to get lost and learn from your mistakes. 

The three locations are:
Ramsey County (160 E.  Kellogg Blvd)—Doo Loe and Shee Kpaw will need to make occasional return visits to keep up with benefits.

Hmong American Partnership ( 1075 Arcade Street, St. Paul MN 55106)-  This is where they will meet with their MFIP.

Karen Organization of MN  (1394 Jackson St., Ste. 324, Saint Paul, MN 55117)—this is where Shee Kpaw attends language class, they also offer other programs and support.

If you are willing to help, just let me know and I will connect with the case manager,  Kyaw, to coordinate times and details.  Shee Kpaw is taking English classes everyday until 2:30pm, so it would be better if we could provide" bus riding classes" after 2:30pm.

Thanks,
Julie Ginader,
Refugee Project Coordinator

Send an email to Julie Ginader.

_Date/Time:
Open - You Arrange the TIme  
Event Description:
Introduce our refugee family to a local library and help them register for lending cards.  They will need their IDs and proof of residence.  There are two locations near Doo Loe’s apartment. Daytons Bluff Location and Sun-Ray Location.

Your Time Commitment: About 2 hours
To Volunteer: Send an email to Julie Ginader.

_Date/Time:
Open - You Arrange the TIme
Event Description:
Organize a Potluck Dinner. Invite some friends (or your small group) to have a potluck in your home with Doo Loe and his family.  It would be best if you can arrange to have Doo Loe’s sister attend so she can help with some translation. You will also need to provide transportation for Doo Loe's family. Remember to keep food very basic because Doo Loe and his family are new to American food.

Your Time Commitment: About 3 hours
To Volunteer: Send an email to Julie Ginader.

_Date/Time:
Open - You Arrange the TIme
Event Description:
Arrange a time to on a weekend or holiday to take the family to the Como Zoo.  This zoo is free and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  http://www.comozooconservatory.org/

Your Time Commitment: About 2-3 hours
To Volunteer: Send an email to Julie Ginader.

__Date/Time:
Open - You Arrange the TIme
Event Description:
Have the fun of introducing our refugee family to Ice cream. Sounds like fun!  We'll need you to drive the family to a Dairy Queen or other ice cream parlor close by (be sure to make sure the place you're going to is open).  The nearest DQ is 565 Earl St, Saint Paul, MN 55106, 651-774-0830.

Your Time Commitment: About 2 hours
To Volunteer: Send an email to Julie Ginader.

• Collected furniture, linens, towels, dishes, pots and small appliances to furnish a two bedroom apartment

• Cleaned and furnished a 750 sq. ft.  apartment in eight hours with the help of 20+ volunteers

• Purchased food and stocked the refrigerator and pantry for a family of six

• Collected coats, hats, gloves and boots to outfit six people

• Greeted refugee family at the airport and transported them to their newly furnished apartment

• Measured kids and purchased shoes and school uniforms

• Transported the family to a variety of appointments including :

• Social Security Office, MFIB, school enrollment,  WIC, MCS refugee orientation, Bank, State ID, Doctor appointments, and Clothing distribution at Vine and Branches

• Entertained the family at the Minnesota Zoo and at their home