What We Do

  • New Beginnings for Refugees is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization focused on providing a safe, welcoming environment for refugees completing the resettlement process in Central Wisconsin. We work closely with ECDC, a national resettlement agency with an office in Wausau.

    Our primary vision is a compassionate, coordinated and collaborative community response toward refugees as they seek to put down new roots on American soil.

Strategic Supports

Volunteer Mobilization

It is our ambition to understand the needs and help to mobilize enthusiastic individuals and groups who can make a real difference. The refugees coming to Wausau will have needs for community integration, social connections, English language practice, transportation, and more! Local volunteers will be needed to welcome and engage our new neighbors in a variety of roles, working in tandem with the local resettlement agency.

Education & Awareness

We believe in the power of education and dialogue to bridge critical gaps that form between various cultures, ethnicities, political perspectives and faiths. We intend to foster dynamic opportunities to learn and expand perspectives on many topics relating to refugees and the geopolitical circumstances from which they come, by encouraging respectful discourse and celebrating Wausau’s multiethnic traditions.

Events

New Beginnings is pursuant of community activities and events that will help strengthen refugee integration within the community, create opportunities for cultural exchange, engage in storytelling and have fun!

 

Transportation Assistance

Filling in any transportation gaps for our friends will alleviate the burden of getting around town to various appointments while giving them a chance to connect and socialize with their volunteer driver(s). The first few weeks will include many critical steps along the path toward self-sufficiency. Drivers wanted!

Material Assistance & Fundraising

We are actively seeking and organizing material donations for home furnishings, furniture, linens and household supplies, as well as paper products and cleaning supplies. In addition, we will continue to build strong financial partners in the community to sustain ongoing and future services.