Refugee Response Ministry | St. Columba's Episcopal Church

Afghan Refugee Response 2021

The Refugee Response Ministry (RRM) is looking at possible options for compassionate, intentional engagement in the crisis surrounding our Afghan brothers and sisters, including possibly working with the diocese in some capacity.

In the meantime, we are finalizing logistics for putting together "Welcome Home" boxes in connection with Lutheran Social Services to help families set up their new home. Please listen for more details coming out from the RRM soon.

To be notified about Afghan Refugee Engagement, click the link below and someone from RRM will reach out with more information as soon as its available.
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The Refugee Response Ministry was initiated in response to the worldwide refugee crisis–specifically those fleeing war and terrorism in the Middle East–and now sponsors a refugee family helping them resettle in the US and become self-sufficient.

Jim Losey

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Keri Piester

Term Expires: Nov. 2021

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Jean Ann Wright

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CONTACT: JIM LOSEY, KERI PIESTER, JEAN ANN WRIGHT | E-MAIL

St. C's Refugee Family: How Are They Doing?

Shared by Lois Herrmann A loving partnership continues between St. C's and our Afghan refugee family, the Khwaja's, a year-and-a half into their new life in America. Family members have responded, each in their own way, to the daunting chall...

The Khwaja Family's Story Continues

Shared by Lois Herrmann According to Judith Kozlowsky, one of a handful of St. Columbans who have been deeply supportive of the family: “They have done remarkably well – and are far ahead of where they might be.” Kerianne Peister who als...

DC United Soccer Game

In August, our Afghan family, the Khwajas, joined St. Columbans: the Chen, Brinkeroff, and Perry families and Judith Kozlowsky for a DC United soccer game. Unfortunately the game was rained out after about 30 minutes, but that didn't dampen anyon...

Cooking with Shakeba

Shared by Refugee Response minister, Judith Kozlowski While driving the Khwajas home from an appointment, I learned Shakeba wanted to learn how to make pizza. So, two days later, my daughter, Christina and I went to the family's apartment to s...

Making the Soccer Connection

Join St. C's Refugee Response ministry at a DC United soccer game on Sat., Aug. 12 (7 pm) at RFK Stadium. All are welcome to join in on this fun event and meet the Khwaja family that St. C's has been supporting. Reserve your tickets with Greg Che...

Our Refugee Family Moves Ahead

Thanks to his characteristic determination and some able assistance from several St. C's volunteers, our refugee Dad, Fridoon, began a job in his field last week. His freshly minted resume and good interviewing skills netted him entry-level work ...

A Time to Catch Up

Let us gather on Mon., May 15 - 7 to 8:30 pm in the Great Hall, and make time to catch up on all of the happenings since our refugee family arrived on February 22. It has been 3 months...the children are in school, the parents are in ESL classes ...

New Bicycles for the Khwaja Boys

Mr. and Mrs. Khwaja really appreciated shopping at the New to You Sale. John Nolan helped Fridoon find two great bikes for his boys, who were so excited when we brought them home.

A Message from a Neighbor

This message comes from Maya Teitelbaum, a Water Ministry colleague of Alex Acosta. Maya is not a St. C's parishioner, but came to the Water Ministry via her neighbor Betty King. Maya and Betty both live right around the corner from Paddington S...

Our Family Makes Their Home in America

Since their February 22nd arrival, our refugee family has been busy completing their US paperwork, signing the lease on their apartment and getting ready to move in this Saturday. Refugee Response ministry volunteers have taken the family to vari...

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Ministry Liaison

The Rev. David Griswold

Deacon

202-363-4119

Serve Ministries

Bishop Walker School Friendship Place Iona Meals on Wheels Loaves & Fishes Prison Ministry Working Group Rebuilding Together Refugee Response Ministry Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington Second Tuesday Grate Patrol Serving Our Neighbor (SON) St. Columba's Appalachia Project (SCAP) Water Ministry

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