During our most recent sponsorship round in August, we were thrilled to connect with local community group, Our Village. The connection has taken our team on a wonderful journey learning about a fantastic pilot program – CRISP – operating nationwide that brings together groups of locals to support refugees settling in Australia.
The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) project involves sponsoring a refugee household to come to Australia, supporting their integration into Australian life and helping them on their journey towards self-sufficiency for the first 12 months after arrival. This includes practical day-to-day things, such as providing temporary accommodation prior to getting government assistance (i.e. Centrelink) and enrolling children in school. With each individual group’s support, the refugee household also has the opportunity to connect and participate in local community activities, sports and projects.
The aim is to ease the anxiety of a refugee / refugee household coming to a new strange place by making them feel welcome and supported by a local community. It provides the opportunities needed for a successful, happy life and with a support network of friends from day one with the successful integration benefitting not just the refugees but also the community in which they reside.
Our Village is one such local community group who have registered for the CRISP program. The group of eight (mostly) inner west residents came together in February 2023, driven to do more to help people seeking protection because they fear persecution or have experienced human rights violations. Through their shared passion, they have engaged in numerous meetings, undertaken screening and refugee support training and have run four fundraising events.
Due to Our Village’s diligent fundraising efforts, they have recently received news that they will be meeting the refugees they will be welcoming to our community very soon. We look forward to hearing about their progress!
Meanwhile, the team at Community Bank Seddon are proud to be supporting such a wonderful program, led by a dedicated groups of locals. Not only have we been able to provide financial support but connecting the group to other local community organisations such as West Welcome Wagon and The Westsider newspaper will help provide additional support and create awareness around their wonderful project.
Support Our Village or learn more – https://www.facebook.com/ourvillageCRISP
Learn more about CRISP HERE
