The Welcome Corps is a program through the U.S. State Department that empowers groups of Americans to sponsor refugees. Each Welcome Corp group works on tasks like securing and furnishing initial housing, greeting the refugee newcomers at the airport, enrolling children in school, helping adults find employment and providing opportunities to learn English.

The Welcome Corps requires Private Sponsor Groups to have a minimum of five people.  However, the Chittenden County Welcoming Committee (CCWC) is fortunate to have more than 30 people interested in welcoming newcomers and providing a support system.  Our goal is to welcome and support new arrivals and assist them in gradually becoming self-sufficient and resilient as they begin their lives in the U.S.  

We have have a strong Steering Committee that consists of:

• Cindy Cook, Coordinator

• Kathy Coughlin

• Leta Finch

• John Limanek

• Laurie Thompson

We are in the process of convening a Fundraising Team, and plan to form the following teams in the next several months:

• Education and Language Team

• Finance and Employment Team

• Healthcare and Benefits Team

• Housing and Basic Necessities Team

• Welcoming and Local Orientation Team

If you are interested in assisting one of these teams, or in making a donation, please contact us at ccwelcomecorps@gmail.com.