Washington, DC – Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) announces the launch of the Migrant Accompaniment Network, a nationwide group of volunteers who will engage those who have recently arrived in the U.S. with their integration into welcoming communities. This network will work in collaboration with the Kino Border Initiative (KBI) and the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) and will collaborate with partners in Mexico border cities, as well as throughout Mexico and Central America.

“The network we are building will provide a way for the many people who want to help newcomers in their community to accompany them and to advocate for migrants, refugees and those seeking asylum in the United States,” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director of JRS/USA. “We thank KBI and ISN for their collaboration on the Migrant Accompaniment Network as we work together to serve those in need.”

The JRS Migrant Accompaniment Network will invite Jesuit affiliated organizations and individuals, as well as those in other religious congregations, churches, or migrant serving organizations, to participate in welcoming and accompanying recently arrived individuals during their transition to living in a new environment.

“Integrating into a new community, especially in a new country, is an extremely difficult part of someone’s life,” said Maria Torres, JRS/USA’s Senior Manager of Border Programs. “Through the dedicated volunteers that are part of our network, those who have already experienced hardship will have an easier time as they settle into their new communities.”

To learn more about how you can volunteer with the JRS Migrant Accompaniment Network, please visit our website.