What We Do
Our Mission
The mission of Des Moines Refugee Support is to identify and bridge gaps for refugee families, in particular refugee children, as they establish their new lives in America.
There are currently 26.6 million refugees in the World. 6.6 million of them live in refugee camps, which are meant to be temporary, but many people end up staying for decades. Less than 3% of refugees will return to their home country, and just over 2% of refugees will be officially resettled in a different country. Being chosen for resettlement is kind of like winning the lottery! Des Moines Refugee Support works to fill in the gaps for refugees who are chosen to make their new homes in the Des Moines metro!
Support
- Spring Free Store: Free shopping for anyone in need to get clothing and household items.
- Back-to-School Free Store: free Back-to-School services for anyone in need, including school supplies, winter gear, toiletries and socks/undies. Plus ear, eye, and dental checks, sports physicals, and haircuts.
- Santa’s Ride: New toys, winter gear, and toiletries for anyone in need.
- Assisting recently arrived refugees with resettlement services (Currently Afghans).
- Ongoing deliveries of food and other household items as needed/by request
Engage
- Soccer with Des Moines Soccer Club – select and rec.
- Other sports with Can-Play.org
- Summer Camp one full week of overnight camp at Hantesa and YCamp • Other day camps including: robotics, soccer, art, theater.
- Adventureland – a day of swimming and rides
- Swimming lessons with DSM Parks and Rec.
Empower
- Learning how to drive and getting a driver’s license, cars, and proper insurance.
- Part time jobs
- College tours, admittance, and scholarships
Prepare
- College tours, admittance, and scholarships
- Age appropriate fun