Through this work, communities are enriched by the gifts newcomers bring with them and by the reward of seeing hopeful and productive lives rebuilt. Refugee sponsors have three general responsibilities. Sponsors act as guides, friends and advocates to those newly arrived in the United States. In all cases, a sponsor's overall goal is to assist refugees, as necessary, to become self-sufficient as soon as possible. As guides, sponsors play a key role in ensuring that refugees become self-sufficient.
Sponsors supply initial food and clothing to refugees and arrange for their temporary housing.
They introduce refugees to U.S. culture and acquaint them with important aspects of life in America. They help and encourage them to gain access to community services, including health care. They further assist refugees with job applications, applications for Social Security cards, school registration, enrollment in English classes and other procedures complicated to newcomers. Most importantly, sponsors are friends to refugees. They are among the first to welcome refugees into their new community and offer them friendship, emotional support and encouragement as they leave behind their homelands and adjust to U.S. culture.