Welcome Neighbor STL/START began in the fall of 2016 with a toiletry drive for newly-arrived refugee families and has organically grown into a multi-faceted organization with over 4,000 supporters and has helped more than 600 refugees from 11 countries.
The original call to action was to help Syrian refugee families living at Hodiamont since the news reported they were being targeted and newly transplanted teens were beaten.
Welcome Neighbor STL has grown from pairing volunteers with the new American families to teaching English, organizing supper clubs/catering events, driving lessons, citizenship classes, family outings, holiday gatherings, and COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
After establishing roots in the community, our new American friends participate in a giveback program to make thousands of meals for the unhoused. The “pay it forward” mentality has led to create a system of lifting people up while giving back and serving the St. Louis community.
Vision of Welcome Neighbor STL: To foster a community where refugees and immigrants are respected and flourish as our friends and neighbors.
Mission of Welcome Neighbor STL: To partner with refugee and immigrant families, connecting them with the people and opportunities that will empower them to build and live their best life in their new country.
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