Good Neighborhood Teams

Good Neighbor Team (GNT) involvement is a high-responsibility partnership between the local church, World Relief Spokane staff, and an immigrant or refugee family. A small group of volunteers from a local church is trained to walk alongside one refugee family, supported by the prayers of their congregation.

Preparation

The first step is to have a conversation with staff to understand the depth of commitment, gather a group of 6-10 individuals with varied availability, and identify a team leader. Each church is also asked to prayerfully consider financial support of World Relief’s ministry to refugees and other immigrants. Drives to equip new arrivals with household furnishings and other supplies are also welcome.

Training

With that foundation in place, World Relief staff will provide ongoing training: What is the displacement crisis? Who are refugees? How will our group work with World Relief staff? What is World Relief's responsibility and what is the GNT's responsibility? These important subjects are discussed in depth during trainings with World Relief staff. Applications and background checks are also required for all team members during this time.

Service

After initial training, the group will be matched with an arriving family. With the caseworker’s oversight, the group will provide wraparound support for the resettlement process. Over the course of 6 months, the GNT will be cultivating mutually transformative, long-term relationships with their new neighbors.